Caroll H. Spriggs Appointed as Maryland's New Fire Marshal
State of MD - Maryland has a new leader at the top of its fire safety agency. Colonel Michael A. Jackson announced today that Caroll H. Spriggs II has been appointed as the state's new Fire Marshal.
Spriggs, 53, will serve a six year term leading the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The office falls under the Maryland Department of State Police and is the oldest state fire marshal's office in the country.
As Fire Marshal, Spriggs will oversee fire prevention, investigations, code enforcement, and public safety education across the state. He also makes history as the first African American to hold this position in the department's 132 year history.
Spriggs brings decades of experience to the role. He previously served as Deputy Fire Chief for the Prince George's County Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department, and before that held the same title with the City of Annapolis.
His background also includes federal work as a Task Force Officer with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. In 2019, he was elected to the National Bomb Squad Commanders Advisory Board, and he was named the board's secretary in 2020.
Spriggs spent 38 years with the Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department, giving him deep roots in Maryland's fire service community. That long career led him to this new statewide role.
"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 process to fill the position started back in May 2026, when it was first advertised. The State Fire Prevention Commission reviewed the candidates, then forwarded the top choices to Colonel Jackson for a final decision.
Colonel Jackson praised the pick, pointing to Spriggs' background in investigations and explosives. "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," Jackson said. "I send my sincere appreciation to Chief Deputy Jason Mowbray for his leadership and his continued dedication to the citizens of Maryland."
Mowbray had been serving as Acting State Fire Marshal since December 2023. Now that the transition is complete, he will move on to join the agency's senior management team.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal handles fire, arson, and explosive investigations across Maryland. It also enforces the State Fire Prevention Code and tracks fire incident data statewide.
Spriggs now takes charge of a team of 85 employees, including more than 42 deputy state fire marshals.
