(Pikesville, MD) – Today, Colonel Michael A. Jackson announces the appointment of a new Maryland State Fire Marshal.
Caroll H. Spriggs II, 53, has been appointed to the position of Maryland State Fire Marshal for a six-year term. Spriggs will lead the Office of the State Fire Marshal, an agency of the Maryland Department of State Police.
Chief Spriggs will lead the nation’s oldest state fire marshal’s office, overseeing its mission of protecting lives and property through fire prevention, investigation, code enforcement, and public safety education. Spriggs is also the first African American to serve in this position in the Department’s 132-year history.
Prior to his appointment, Spriggs served as a Deputy Fire Chief for the Prince George’s County Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department. He also served as Deputy Fire Chief for the City of Annapolis and as a Task Force Officer with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). In 2019, he was elected to serve on the National Bomb Squad Commanders Advisory Board. In 2020, he was named secretary. Spriggs also served at the Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department for 38 years.
“I would like to thank Colonel Jackson for this tremendous opportunity,” Spriggs said. “I look forward to working with all of the partners of the MDSP to continue making Maryland safe.”
The selection process for a new state fire marshal began in May 2026 when the position was advertised. Candidate resumes were reviewed by the State Fire Prevention Commission. The top candidates were forwarded to Colonel Michael A. Jackson, who completed the selection process.
“With a career rooted in service and extensive experience in fire investigation and explosives, Spriggs brings a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office,” said Colonel Michael A. Jackson, Superintendent of the Maryland Department of State Police. “I send my sincere appreciation to Chief Deputy Jason Mowbray for his leadership and his continued dedication to the citizens of Maryland.”
Since December 2023, Chief Deputy Jason Mowbray has led the agency as the Acting State Fire Marshal. After ensuring a smooth and successful transition, he will be assigned to the senior management team.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal is responsible for statewide fire, arson, and explosive investigations, enforcement of the State Fire Prevention Code, coordination of fire prevention efforts, and the collection of fire incident data. Fire Marshal Spriggs will oversee the operation of 85 employees, including more than 42 deputy state fire marshals.
