Steve took these life lessons to heart and began working at the age of 13, spending his nights and weekends washing dishes and busing tables at a local Perry Hall restaurant. Throughout his formative teenage years, Steve continued to work multiple jobs in the restaurant and catering industry, along with jobs in retail and private ambulance services, establishing a foundation for hard work and dedication to service. 

 

A homicide detective for the Baltimore County Police Department, Steve's father, Greg, was also a major influence in his life. Some of Steve’s fondest childhood memories with his father were listening to the police/fire scanner and chasing after police cars and fire engines when they received emergency calls in the area. Steve dreamed of one day being able to help his community as either a police officer like his father or as a firefighter.

 

That intrinsic desire to serve his community led Steve to join the Kingsville Volunteer Fire Company at the age of 16. Steve immediately began taking evening courses at the Maryland Fire Rescue Institute, obtaining his Emergency Medical Technician License and Firefighter 1 certifications. Steve was an active member at KVFC, running emergency calls on nights and weekends while balancing the demands of high school, multiple jobs, and family. From that point on, Steve knew exactly what he wanted to do for a career after graduation.

 

While a student at Perry Hall High School, Steve excelled at baseball and vocal music. His participation in vocal performance groups led to many awards in local, state, regional, and international competitions, along with performances in the Maryland State House and the Governor’s Mansion. Steve has had the privilege of performing the national anthem at numerous regional locations, including the Maryland Senate Chambers and Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

 

Following high school, Steve began the application process for both the Baltimore County Police and Baltimore County Fire Department. In late 2000, Steve was selected for the 82nd Recruit Class of the Baltimore County Fire Department and entered recruit training in January 2001. Upon graduating from the Fire Rescue Academy, Steve was assigned to Station 7 in Essex, Maryland, as an EMT. Throughout his 21+ year career, Steve has continued to further his education, attending thousands of hours of training and achieving numerous certifications and qualifications in the emergency services field, including Firefighter II, Fire Officer II, Truck/Aerial Operations, Pump Operations, and multiple Technical Rescue disciplines, such as Swiftwater/Surface water Rescue, Trench Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, High-Angle & Rope Rescue, and Large Animal Rescue. While furthering his education in his field, Steve has been promoted through the ranks of the Baltimore County Fire Department, achieving the ranks of:

·      EMT (2001–2004) 

·      Firefighter/EMT (2004–2009)

·      Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator (2009–2015)

·      Fire Lieutenant (2015–present)

 

Steve’s years of service in the fire department give him a unique perspective on many of the issues that face the citizens of Baltimore County. His professional experience also gives him a unique ability to think critically to identify and solve complex problems. Not only do citizens call 911 when experiencing the worst emergencies of their lives, but oftentimes, citizens call the fire department when they have a problem and don’t know who else to call. As a firefighter, Steve answers those calls day and night. Throughout his career, Steve has developed a knack for solving problems for those in need, going above and beyond the call of duty to serve the citizens of Baltimore County with compassion and care. 

 

Because of those efforts, Steve has been recognized with numerous awards in his firefighting career, including the Higgins and Langley International Memorial Award, the highest international award given in the field of Swiftwater Rescue, and multiple departmental commendations, unit citations, and campaign ribbons for responses to flooding in Bowleys Quarters during Hurricane Isabel and the CSX Railroad rescue/derailment/explosion.

 

The fire department has also provided Steve with opportunities to support local communities through charitable and philanthropic efforts, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Nationwide, professional firefighters have a 65+ year history of raising money for MDA through their “Fill the Boot” campaigns. Steve’s enthusiastic effort led to his shifts regularly raising the most money within the Baltimore County Fire Department. Consequently, Steve joined the MDA Committee and was appointed the role of Battalion Coordinator. Steve furthered his relationship with MDA by volunteering his time at MDA summer camps for kids, where his crew prepared meals for the campers and assisted them with learning activities. 

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In his spare time, Steve’s love of music and singing led him to join and form multiple bands over a 10-year period, from 2010-2020—notably “Strait Shooter” and “Boot N Rally.” Aside from performing at top local and regional venues, Steve used his love of music to support and raise money for multiple organizations and charitable causes, including Kingsville Volunteer Fire Company, White Marsh Volunteer Fire Company, Bowleys Quarters Volunteer Fire Company, Wilson Point Men’s Club, Marine Trades Association of Baltimore County, Back River Restoration Committee, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Kennedy Krieger Institute, The Baltimore Station, and many others.

 

Steve Redmer’s life has been one of service, sacrifice, and dedication to the citizens of Baltimore County. As Delegate, Steve will continue to serve his neighbors and fellow citizens, bringing his values of integrity, courage, and determination to Annapolis, where those values are needed now more than ever.