Operation Extinguish
Operation Extinguish (OE) is a model program developed by The Chrysalis Group and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service in 1984 to provide intervention and educational services for juvenile fire setters and their families. The program combines psychological evaluation and intervention with safety education in an effort to eliminate fire setting behavior.
Nearly 1000 juveniles have participated in the Operation Extinguish program in its 20 years. Operation Extinguish has redirected the lives of those juvenile fire setters and has prevented immeasurable loss of property and personal injury. The program is recognized by the National Association of Counties as one of the outstanding juvenile justice programs in the United States.
Referrals to the OE program originate from:
- Maryland Department of Juvenile Justice
- Montgomery County Police Youth Division
- Montgomery County Department of Fire and Rescue Service
- Juvenile Court
- Parents
- Schools
- Attorneys
- Other agencies such as hospitals, residential treatment centers and mental health clinics
The program consists of three major elements:
- Evaluation of youth and family—conducted at Chrysalis offices
- 3 psychoeducation classes—held at the Public Safety Training Academy
- Recommendations for follow-up treatment
To make a referral to the program, email Bill Delaney
at William.Delaney@montgomerycountymd.gov and include the youth’s and parents’
name, address, phone number, youth’s birth date, and details of the fire incident.
To find out more about the Operation Extinguish Program, contact Joanne Irving at (301) 983-5788 or at Joanne@The-Chrysalis-Group.com