08/21/2026
Mr. Paul Schlotterbeck has dedicated an extraordinary 45 years to the fire service, including 29 years of that service with the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department. Throughout his career, he has been a Firefighter/EMT and has held numerous leadership positions, including Chief, 1st Assistant Chief, 2nd Assistant Chief, and Public Information Officer. He currently serves the department as the 2nd Assistant Chief and Safety Officer.
Paul began his journey in the volunteer fire service with the Earligh Heights Volunteer Fire Company, followed by service with Riviera Beach Volunteer Fire Company and Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department. His commitment to protecting and serving others eventually led him to a distinguished career with the State of Maryland.
In the beginning of his career, he worked for five years as a Safety Officer at Spring Grove Mental Hospital. Then for 22 years, Paul served as a Maryland State Fire Marshal, retiring as a Senior Deputy Fire Marshal. After his retirement from the Fire Marshal's Office, he has spent the past 11 years with the Maryland Department of Environment as a Hazardous Materials Response Officer II, where he continues to serve.
Through decades of service, Paul has become a major asset to the fire service and to the citizens of Maryland. His extensive experience, leadership, dedication, and willingness to serve have made a lasting impact on the communities and organizations he has been privileged to serve.
Paul's daughter Amanda has devoted 18 years to the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department and began her journey in the fire service as a cadet at just 14 years old. From an early age, she was fascinated by the fire service and developed a passion for helping others that has continued throughout her career.
As a Firefighter/EMT, Amanda has demonstrated a strong commitment to her department and the citizens it serves. Her dedication and accomplishments have helped pave the way for other women in the fire service.
In 2013, Amanda made history at the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department when she became the first female member to receive the Firefighter of the Year award. This achievement recognized not only her hard work and dedication, but also her commitment to excellence in the fire service.
Together, Paul and Amanda represent generations of dedication to the fire service. Their commitment, leadership, and passion for helping others have made a meaningful difference at the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department and beyond.
They are both part of the department's Hazmat Response Team. This photo was taken at a recent MVC after they had finished pumping off the diesel fuel and hydraulic oil. As you can see, there’s nothing clean or glamorous about this job. They are hot, sweaty, dirty, and covered in the aftermath of the work, but they got the job done safely and professionally. This is the reality of the fire service: it’s tough, messy work, and these two don’t hesitate to get their hands dirty when the job needs to be done.
Paul and Amanda, thank you for your continued service! It's always a pleasure talking to you both!
"Capturing the Moments - Honoring the Heroes"
