(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.