(a) In this section, “fire and explosive investigator” means an individual who:
(1) is assigned full–time to the Fire Investigations Division of the Howard County Fire Marshal’s Office and is a paid employee;
(2) has been employed by the Howard County Fire Department as a firefighter for at least 5 years;
(3) 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; and
(4) at all times maintains active certification by the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) 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 in the Office of the State Fire Marshal under § 2–208 of this subtitle:
(1) while operating in Howard County; and
(2) while operating outside Howard 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.
(c) The Howard County Fire Chief:
(1) may limit the authority of a fire and explosive investigator under this section; and
(2) shall express the limitation in a written policy.