Hagerstown Fire Investigator Deanna Pelton Joins State Fire Marshal’s Office, Enhancing Western Maryland’s Fire Safety Oversight

Western Maryland residents can expect strengthened fire safety enforcement and investigative capacity with the appointment of Deanna Pelton as a Deputy State Fire Marshal. Pelton, who brings more than 20 years of fire service experience, has officially joined the Office of the State Fire Marshal following her swearing-in ceremony on June 25.

Previously serving as a fire and explosives investigator with the Hagerstown Fire Marshal’s Office, Pelton’s appointment is a lateral transfer that places her in the agency’s Western Regional Office. Her experience in both field operations and code enforcement will support investigations throughout the region, particularly in Washington County, where she has worked extensively in both firefighting and public education roles.

Pelton began her fire service career as a volunteer in 1999 and later became an EMS Sergeant. She went on to serve nearly 12 years with the Hagerstown Fire Department before transitioning into investigative and fire safety roles. After graduating from the Washington County Police Academy in 2020, she focused her training on fire origin and cause analysis, post-blast investigations, and code compliance inspections.

In addition to her investigative background, Pelton has been active in fire prevention education for over two decades. She has led youth and senior fire safety initiatives and previously managed the Youth Fire Safety Intervention program. While with the Hagerstown Fire Department, she helped secure public health funding to expand fire safety outreach, and she also coordinated the department’s social media to improve public engagement.

Pelton will now complete an abbreviated field training program before fully assuming her duties in Western Maryland. Her appointment is expected to enhance the State Fire Marshal’s capabilities in both emergency response and community safety initiatives across the region.

Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from the Office of the State Fire Marshal press release.

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