Phil Clinard’s favorite part of the job is making connections with people across the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB).

“I served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT for over 15 years with the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department,” he says. He has also been a tour guide in Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and Stone Mountain Park, Ga.

Clinard’s background makes the fire protection assistant well-suited for his role, which includes educating the UMB community about fire safety and prevention. 

“Combining education and prevention is where most of my experience lies,” he says. “I most look forward to helping build a strong program of education, prevention, and regulation from the ground up and helping to make the Office of the Fire Marshal an integral part of the UMB Department of Public Safety.”

Clinard became interested in the fire protection assistant position when hearing about how his wife (Laura Cathcart, the UMB emergency management training and exercise program manager) collaborated with the UMB fire marshal in the past. 

Working in the Office of the Fire Marshal can be a physical job. “We walk to and through every building on campus monthly, sometimes covering 2 to 4 miles a day,” says Clinard. But he says he doesn’t mind the challenge. “I look forward to it. I’ll even wear a weighted backpack just for an extra challenge!” 

In the future, Clinard says he hopes to seek continuous training and certifications in fire inspections, fire alarm systems, public education, and life safety through local, state, and national associations. 

Outside of work, Clinard and Cathcart enjoy traveling and bicycling. The pair ride their bikes to work and have even taken “bike-packing” trips along the Great Allegheny Passage, C&O Canal, and the Erie Canal! He encourages others to explore — even here in Baltimore City — and learn the rich history of the area. “There’s so much to see and do,” he says. 

October is Fire Safety Month. Follow along for resources, tips, and more. 

The UMB Office of the Fire Marshal is a division of UMB Police and Public Safety.