Green Officially Becomes First Black Female Fire Chief

By Mark F. Gray
AFRO Staff Writer
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Prince George’s County swore in Tiffany D. Green as the new fire chief Feb. 4 as she officially became the first woman to hold the position in its history.  

Green, a native of the County, joins County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, state’s attorney Aisha Braveboy and the CEO of the school system Dr. Monica Goldson in holding the major leadership roles in the D.C. suburb. She is only the ninth Black woman in United States history to serve as a fire chief.

“My promise to the Council, to the County Executive and, most importantly, to the residents and visitors of this County is to continue to lead this Department forward, to continue to be accountable, professional and community-centered,” Green said during the ceremony at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Upper Marlboro.

Green had previously served as interim chief since replacing Benjamin Barksdale who left the Department after serving for nine years, including his final three as chief, last October.  She was named Chief Deputy of the Department in 2018 before taking the interim role then earning her new stripes. 

“It takes many years to become an overnight success,” said Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.  “She has proven time and time again that when she’s given a duty and a mission, she gets it done.”

Green’s rise to the highest ranking member of the Prince George’s County Fire Department was a long one.  It began as a volunteer firefighter at the Oxon Hill fire station in 1999. For the next two decades she worked as a firefighter, paramedic, station commander, and led the high school cadet and training academy programs before moving into higher levels of administration which is why Alsobrooks tabbed her for the role as fire chief.

“I have had the privilege to serve this great County for 24 years in various roles,” Green said.   “However, when I started in this Department in 1999, the concept of a female fire chief was unheard of. It was thought to be impossible.”

“I will endeavor as your Fire Chief to rewrite the narrative.”

According to the Firehouse.com website Green becomes one of only 70 women around the country who serve in the role of fire chief.