Former Annapolis Deputy Fire Chief Appointed Maryland State Fire Marshal, Making History as First African American to Serve in Role

Former Annapolis Deputy Fire Chief Caroll H. Spriggs II Appointed Maryland State Fire Marshal, Making History as First African American to Serve in Role

Caroll H. Spriggs II, a veteran fire service leader who previously served as a deputy fire chief in Annapolis, has been appointed Maryland State Fire Marshal, becoming the first African American to serve in the position in the department’s 132-year history.

Colonel Michael A. Jackson, Superintendent of the Maryland Department of State Police, announced Wednesday that Chief Spriggs, 53, has been appointed to a six-year term leading the Office of the State Fire Marshal, an agency of the Maryland Department of State Police.

Chief Spriggs will lead what is described as the nation’s oldest state fire marshal’s office, overseeing its work to protect lives and property through fire prevention, investigation, code enforcement and public safety education.

His career includes service as a Deputy Fire Chief with the Prince George’s County Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department and as a Deputy Fire Chief for the City of Annapolis. Chief Spriggs also served as a Task Force Officer with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

In 2019, Chief Spriggs was elected to the National Bomb Squad Commanders Advisory Board and was named secretary of the board in 2020. He has also served with the Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department for 38 years.

“I would like to thank Colonel Jackson for this tremendous opportunity,” Chief 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, which forwarded the top candidates to Colonel Jackson for the final 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,” Colonel Jackson said. “I send my sincere appreciation to Chief Deputy Jason Mowbray for his leadership and his continued dedication to the citizens of Maryland.”

Chief Deputy Mowbray has led the agency as Acting State Fire Marshal since December 2023. Following a transition of leadership, he will be assigned to the agency’s 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 collection of fire incident data.

As State Fire Marshal, Chief Spriggs will oversee 85 employees, including more than 42 deputy state fire marshals.