MARYLAND STATE FIRE MARSHALS OFFICE ANNOUNCE THE PASSING OF FORMER STATE FIRE MARSHAL ROCCO J GABRIELE
State of Maryland - The public safety community of Maryland mourns the loss of its longest-serving State Fire Marshal, Rocco J. Gabriele, who passed away at his home on Wednesday. Gabriele, who was 90, dedicated nearly two decades to ensuring the safety of Maryland's residents against fire hazards and contributing significantly to the state's fire safety policies.
Gabriele was first appointed State Fire Marshal on November 1, 1982, by Secretary Thomas Schmit of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. His tenure lasted until his retirement in 2001. His impressive length of service was surpassed only by one other State Fire Marshal in the entire United States.
The impact of Gabriele's leadership is still felt in the fire marshal department today. Chief Deputy and Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray praised Gabriele's dedication, stating that he was instrumental in improving professional standards during his tenure. Gabriele's initiatives included upgrading equipment, modernizing uniform standards, and enhancing the emergency response capabilities of the agency's vehicles.
Gabriele's legacy includes, among other things, the creation of the first Administrative and Operations Manual, the establishment of requirements for fire sprinkler contractors, and the submission of more than 40 pieces of legislation to enhance fire and life safety. He also helped establish fire safety education initiatives, including the Fire and Burn Safety Coalition of Maryland (FABSCOM), launched in 1994.
Before he was appointed State Fire Marshal, Gabriele served with the Maryland State Police for 24 years, retiring as a Captain and overseeing the Maryland State Crime Lab.
Befitting his long and distinguished career, funeral services for Rocco J. Gabriele will be held early next week, with details soon to be finalized. Gabriele leaves behind an enduring legacy that continues safeguarding the lives and property of Maryland's citizens.
Gabriele was first appointed State Fire Marshal on November 1, 1982, by Secretary Thomas Schmit of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. His tenure lasted until his retirement in 2001. His impressive length of service was surpassed only by one other State Fire Marshal in the entire United States.
The impact of Gabriele's leadership is still felt in the fire marshal department today. Chief Deputy and Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray praised Gabriele's dedication, stating that he was instrumental in improving professional standards during his tenure. Gabriele's initiatives included upgrading equipment, modernizing uniform standards, and enhancing the emergency response capabilities of the agency's vehicles.
Gabriele's legacy includes, among other things, the creation of the first Administrative and Operations Manual, the establishment of requirements for fire sprinkler contractors, and the submission of more than 40 pieces of legislation to enhance fire and life safety. He also helped establish fire safety education initiatives, including the Fire and Burn Safety Coalition of Maryland (FABSCOM), launched in 1994.
Before he was appointed State Fire Marshal, Gabriele served with the Maryland State Police for 24 years, retiring as a Captain and overseeing the Maryland State Crime Lab.
Befitting his long and distinguished career, funeral services for Rocco J. Gabriele will be held early next week, with details soon to be finalized. Gabriele leaves behind an enduring legacy that continues safeguarding the lives and property of Maryland's citizens.
