Maryland State Fire Marshal Office Celebrates 130 Years of Service

Pikesville, MD News (10/4/2024) – The Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal is celebrating its 130th anniversary this month, marking a significant milestone as the oldest State Fire Marshal’s Office in the United States. Established in 1894, the agency is also recognized as Maryland’s second oldest public safety organization, following the State’s Department of Natural Resources Police, originally known as the State Oyster Police, which dates back to 1868.

The creation of the Office of the State Fire Marshal was driven by the Maryland State Insurance Department, established in 1878. Its goal was to combat incendiary fires and reduce insurance rates across the state. The initiative came to fruition when Governor Frank Brown appointed John J. Jackson as the first State Fire Marshal in 1894, following legislative action to officially establish the role.

Over the last century, the Office has undergone several transformations. Initially, the position was part of the Insurance Commission but was eventually deemed redundant in 1916. However, the Office saw a revival in 1964 under Governor J. Miller Tawes, when it was reestablished as part of the State Fire Prevention Commission. In 1970, the agency transitioned to the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, where it remained until 1997, when it became part of the Maryland Department of State Police.

Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray emphasized the breadth of the Office’s responsibilities in public safety. “Our agency is a diverse public safety organization with responsibilities in law enforcement, fire service, and regulatory oversight. Each day, our team upholds our core values of integrity, fairness, and service in all our actions,” Mowbray said. He further highlighted the critical work carried out by Deputy State Fire Marshals over the years, from investigating fire and explosion incidents to confronting extremist threats and bringing arsonists to justice.

In addition to investigative work, the Office plays a key role in fire safety education, regulation, and enforcement throughout the state. “Our fire engineering and code enforcement staff continue to impact our community, ensuring that our state is a fire-safe place to live, work, and play,” Mowbray added.

To mark this historic anniversary, the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal has curated a month-long exhibition titled From Obsolescence to Relevance: A 130-Year History of the Office of State Fire Marshal. The exhibition is being held at the Maryland State Police Museum in Pikesville. It includes a self-guided tour where visitors can explore the agency’s history through photographs, artifacts, and equipment used by fire marshals over the years. Personnel will also be on hand to answer questions and provide insights into the agency’s current operations.

This exhibition coincides with Fire Prevention Month, further underscoring the Office’s commitment to community engagement and fire safety awareness. “The 130th anniversary is not only a celebration of our rich history but also a testament to our ongoing commitment to fire safety and prevention in Maryland,” Mowbray said. “We are dedicated to protecting our communities and ensuring the safety of all Marylanders.”

The exhibition is open to the public on select dates in October at the Maryland State Police Museum in Pikesville.

Exhibition Details:

• Location: Maryland State Police Museum, 1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD
• Dates and Hours:
  • Saturday, October 5th: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Sunday, October 20th: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, October 29th: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. (during the Maryland State Police Trunk-or-Treat Event)

The Office invites residents and visitors alike to attend, learn about the legacy of fire safety in Maryland, and honor the men and women who have served over the last 130 years.

Story by multiple RFHC contributors

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