New Fire Chief Appointed
Trailblazer Returns: Thelmetria Michaelides Named Fire Chief of Prince George’s County
PHOTOGRAPHY: ROB R. ROBERTS // PRINCE GEORGE’S SUITE MAGAZINE & MEDIA
In a bold move underscoring Prince George’s County’s commitment to excellence and equity in public safety, County Executive Aisha Braveboy has appointed Thelmetria “Meme” Michaelides as the new Fire Chief of the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department.
Michaelides, a retired Battalion Chief who served 26 years before stepping down in 2013, returns to lead one of the largest combination (career and volunteer) fire departments on the East Coast. Her appointment marks a full-circle moment in a groundbreaking career that has included roles as an Emergency Dispatcher, EMT, Cardiac Respiratory Technician, Paramedic—and notably, Maryland’s first African American female bomb technician.
"Her journey has not been traditional, but it has been one of deep preparation," Braveboy said. “Chief Michaelides brings unmatched experience and commitment to our communities.”
County Executive Aisha Braveboy announces Michaelides as the new fire chief on June 30. PHOTO: ROB ROBERTS // PRINCE GEORGE’S SUITE MAGAZINE & MEDIA
The Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department serves over 900,000 residents across 500 square miles—an area of growing diversity, density, and demand. Over the past 20 years, the department has significantly reduced fire-related fatalities, expanded EMS response capabilities, and innovated community outreach programs, especially in underserved areas.
Michaelides inherits a department with a strong record of service under outgoing Chief Tiffany Green, the County’s first female Fire Chief, who will now serve as Assistant Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Public Safety. Green’s tenure helped solidify Prince George’s County as a regional leader in inclusive fire service leadership.
Since retiring, Michaelides has remained deeply engaged in public service, most recently as Chief of Operations for the state’s COVID-19 Recovery Team under Governor Larry Hogan. Her leadership during the pandemic—especially with the Vaccine Equity Taskforce—showcased her ability to manage complex, high-stakes operations.
Now, as Fire Chief, she plans a 100-day review to evaluate the department’s strengths and areas for growth. “We are all connected in our mission—career, volunteer, civilian,” she said. “Together, we will advance this department, regardless of any challenge.”
Michaelides is more than a seasoned firefighter—she’s a connector, a reformer, and a homegrown hero determined to elevate a department already known for two decades of success. And her next chapter begins now.
