New Member of DC Fire/EMS Press Office On The Way

Pete Piringer, director of Community Outreach and Public Information for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue, plans to join the press operation of the District's Fire and Emergency Services Agency, D.C. Wire has learned.

Piringer confirmed this afternoon that "an offer has been made," and that he's coming to work for Fire Chief Dennis Rubin. Piringer said he doesn't know what his District salary will be (he said he makes $116,000 in Montgomery County) and that his exact title and job are also undefined. "It will be something in public information and public affairs," Piringer said.

Piringer later followed up by email and wrote, "As we discussed I have been offered a job as a Public Affairs Specialist (Public Information Officer) with the District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department and will serve as a Public Information Officer. There has not been an official announcement concerning this position one way or another by DC or Montgomery County as far as I know."

Sources said this news bodes badly for Alan Etter, the current spokesman for the fire department. Etter could not be reached for comment.

According to his online bio at Firehouse.com, which focuses on firefighting across the country, Piringer has worked for the Maryland State Police and the Prince George's County Fire Department.

Piringer said he has worked with Etter and other members of the press office over the years on various projects. Also, he said he has known Chief Rubin "for quite a while." Piringer said he doesn't have a firm start date yet.

--Theola Labbé-DeBose