(a) In this section, “fire and explosive investigator” means an individual who:
(1) is assigned full–time to the fire and explosive investigations section of the County Fire Marshal’s Office; and
(2) (i) has the rank of deputy fire marshal or higher; and
(ii) has successfully completed a training program from a police training school approved by the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission established under Title 3, Subtitle 2 of the Public Safety Article.
(b) This section applies only to Worcester County.
(c) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a fire and explosive investigator has the same authority granted to the State Fire Marshal or a full–time investigative and inspection assistant of the Office of the State Fire Marshal under § 2–208 of this subtitle:
(1) while operating in Worcester County; and
(2) while operating outside Worcester County when:
(i) the fire and explosive investigator is participating in a joint investigation with officials from another state, federal, or local law enforcement unit, at least one of which has local jurisdiction;
(ii) the fire and explosive investigator is rendering assistance to another law enforcement officer;
(iii) the fire and explosive investigator is acting at the request of a law enforcement officer or State law enforcement officer; or
(iv) an emergency exists.
(d) The County Fire Marshal:
(1) may limit the authority of a fire and explosive investigator under this section; and
(2) shall express the limitation in a written policy.