JOHN GROTHE NOMINATED AS CANDIDATE FOR DEPUTY STATE FIRE MARSHAL OF THE YEAR AWARD
State of MD - Senior Deputy State Fire Marshal John Grothe has been nominated as the candidate from the Upper Eastern Regional Office for the prestigious 2024 Deputy State Fire Marshal of the Year award.
The nomination was announced by Deputy Chief Caryn McMahon, the regional commander of the Upper Eastern Regional Office (UERO).
Grothe will join six other distinguished Deputy State Fire Marshals from each regional office and the Bomb Squad at the Maryland State Firefighters Convention in Ocean City on June 16. This event will honor the recipient of the "James C. Robertson, Deputy State Fire Marshal of the Year" award.
In the previous year, Deputy Grothe demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication, conducting 18 fire and explosive investigations and 60 life safety inspections. His work was pivotal in making three arrests and securing two criminal convictions.
Among his notable achievements, McMahon emphasized Grothe's successful investigation into illegal fireworks operations, which highlighted the need for licensed professionals in Maryland.
Beyond his investigative efforts, Grothe has shown a commitment to personal and professional growth by completing 275 hours of training in 2024. He earned his Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) accreditation, a highly regarded qualification recognized internationally as the benchmark of excellence in fire investigation.
Additionally, he obtained the Instructor I certification from the Maryland Police Training Commission, which allows him to serve on the OSFM Firearms Team, crucial for maintaining operational standards among sworn personnel.
Reflecting his qualifications and credibility, Grothe was appointed as a Task Force Officer with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in 2024. This federal position underscores his competence and enhances the agency's collaborations in combating arson and explosives-related crimes.
Deputy Chief McMahon stated, "Deputy Grothe is passionate about fire and explosive investigations and continues to demonstrate his success year after year. He always prioritizes the mission of the agency and is an integral member of the UERO office. He conducts himself with professionalism and integrity and is well-respected by his peers and colleagues. It has been a pleasure to supervise and mentor him as he embarks on the next chapter of his career."
John Grothe's nomination reflects his unwavering dedication and outstanding contributions to fire and safety investigations in Maryland.
