Maryland Appointed First African American State Fire Marshal

Caroll Spriggs II has been named the new head of the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration of a brass firefighter helmet and alarm bell, representing professional fire safety management. — Maryland has appointed Caroll Spriggs II as its first African American State Fire Marshal, tasked with overseeing fire prevention regulations across the state. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Maryland officials announced the appointment of 53-year-old Caroll Spriggs II as the state’s new Fire Marshal. Spriggs, a veteran with 38 years of experience at the Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department, marks a historic milestone as the first African American to hold this office.

Why it matters

The position carries significant responsibility for statewide public safety, overseeing 85 employees tasked with enforcing fire prevention regulations. Spriggs succeeds Chief Deputy Jason Mowbray, who had served as the acting lead since December 2023.

The Maryland State Fire Marshal oversees a team of 85 employees, including 42 deputy state fire marshals. The appointee will serve a six-year term in the role.

The players

Caroll Spriggs II

He is the newly appointed State Fire Marshal who previously served as Deputy Fire Chief for Prince George's County.

Jason Mowbray

He served as the Acting State Fire Marshal since December 2023 and will join the agency's senior management team.

Michael A. Jackson

He is a Colonel who announced the appointment of the new State Fire Marshal.

The details

Caroll Spriggs II previously served as the Deputy Fire Chief for Prince George's County and brings decades of experience to the state role. The selection process involved the State Fire Prevention Commission reviewing top candidates before forwarding them to the State Police Superintendent for the final appointment.

December 2023: Jason Mowbray began serving as Acting State Fire Marshal.
2019: Spriggs was elected to the National Bomb Squad Board.
2020: Spriggs was named secretary of the advisory board.
May 2026: The search for a new Fire Marshal began.
September 19, 2026: Colonel Michael A. Jackson announced the appointment.

Market Landscape

This leadership change reflects a push for greater representation within the state's public safety infrastructure. The appointment follows a rigorous review by the State Fire Prevention Commission to identify candidates capable of managing the agency's 85-person staff.

Residents can expect the new Fire Marshal to oversee the state's fire safety and prevention enforcement protocols for the next six years. This transition ensures continuity for the 85-employee agency responsible for public safety operations across the state.

The takeaway

The appointment highlights a significant evolution in leadership for a 132-year-old state office. It emphasizes the importance of long-term professional development in volunteer and municipal fire service sectors for high-level government appointments.