We are a combination system of nearly 900 career and volunteer providers operating from 13 stations across Howard County. The department is located between Baltimore City and the District of Columbia and provides and receives automatic aid to and from our surrounding partners in Prince George's, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Montgomery and Frederick counties. The department is statutorily responsible for the administration of the affairs for the county in fire suppression and prevention, fire training, arson investigation, rescue services and emergency medical services.

The County Executive is the head of the executive branch of government in Howard County and is elected to a four-year term.

The Howard County Office of Agriculture is dedicated to preserving Agriculture in Howard County as a viable industry. The Office provides the agricultural industry with business support, technical assistance, promotion and acts as a liaison between farms and other county agencies.

The Office of Children and Families promotes the well-being of children birth to five years old by providing services and supports to their families and caregivers and supports the initiatives of the Early Childhood Advisory Council. The Office offers a wide array of services and resources to promote healthy development, school readiness and strengthen families.

Please add a simple sentence to describe what this committee does and is responsible for (max 2 sentences).

Please add a simple sentence to describe what this committee does and is responsible for (max 2 sentences).

The North Laurel Community Center is one of Howard County's community centers, built to serve the southeastern portion of the county. The facility is shared by the Departments of Recreation & Parks and Health, Howard County Police and the Office on Aging and Independence. Features include a fitness room, game room, dance and aerobics room, double gymnasium, pre-school classrooms, multi-purpose rooms, senior activity room, and more.

The Howard County Office of Human Rights and Equity is an entity of the Howard County Government that seeks to eradicate discrimination, increase equal opportunity and protect and promote Human Rights in the county. The Office serves as a catalyst in fostering attitudes and beliefs among Howard County residents which confirm that all individuals have an equal opportunity to enjoy a wholesome and productive quality of life and can pursue their lives free of discrimination.

Please add a simple sentence to describe what this committee does and is responsible for.

The Department of Planning and Zoning ensures the orderly and sustainable growth of the County by implementing policies, plans, and regulations that guide land use and development. Research and community engagement are cornerstones to these efforts that shape our community.

The Office of Procurement and Contract Administration maintains approximately 775 annual contracts for the goods, services and capital improvement projects that allow Departments to serve the residents of Howard County.