Maryland Swore In Caroll Spriggs as Fire Marshal

Caroll Spriggs has become the 24th state Fire Marshal and the first Black person to hold the historic Maryland office.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in People

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a polished brass fire marshal badge on a dark surface, symbolizing state institutional authority. — Caroll Spriggs was sworn in as the 24th Maryland State Fire Marshal, becoming the first Black person to hold the historic office. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Maryland officials officially swore in 53-year-old Caroll Spriggs as the state Fire Marshal during a ceremony in Prince Frederick. Spriggs now leads an agency recognized as the oldest state fire marshal office in the country.

Why it matters

This appointment marks a significant milestone for the Maryland State Fire Marshal office, which maintains oversight of fire prevention and investigative services across the state.

Caroll Spriggs, a 53-year-old veteran of the service, began his career as a volunteer firefighter at the age of 16. He takes his place as the 24th individual to lead the Maryland State Fire Marshal office.

The players

Caroll Spriggs

He is the 24th Maryland state Fire Marshal and the first Black person to hold the role in the agency's history.

The details

The oath of office was administered at the Calvert County government offices in Prince Frederick. Spriggs brings professional experience from his previous service across Calvert, Prince George's, and Anne Arundel counties.

Caroll Spriggs was sworn in on September 28, 2026.

Market Landscape

The appointment of the 24th Fire Marshal extends the long institutional legacy of the Maryland State Fire Marshal office. This transition positions the agency to continue its oversight duties with new leadership following Spriggs' extensive tenure in regional fire services.

Residents can expect the office of the Fire Marshal to maintain its standard inspection and investigation protocols under the new leadership. The agency continues its mandate of public safety oversight across all jurisdictions in Maryland.

The takeaway

Caroll Spriggs brings decades of experience to the state role after beginning his journey as a volunteer at age 16. His appointment highlights the ongoing evolution of leadership within Maryland's state government agencies.