HAGERSTOWN – Deanna Pelton has been appointed as deputy state fire marshal for the state of Maryland. The announcement was made by the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal, following a swearing-in ceremony conducted by Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray at the agency’s headquarters.
Pelton brings nearly 12 years of experience as a firefighter with the Hagerstown Fire Department. After graduating from the Washington County Police Academy in 2020, she transitioned to the department’s Fire Marshal’s Office, focusing on fire origin and cause investigations, post-blast investigations, fire safety inspections and community risk reduction.
On her first day, Pelton met with human resources, had her official portrait taken, was fitted for uniforms and received her assigned vehicle. Her appointment is expected to enhance the capabilities of the Western Regional Office.
Officials with the Office of the State Fire Marshal expressed excitement in welcoming Pelton to the team, noting her dedication and experience in fire service and public safety.
“Deputy Pelton’s well-rounded background in fire investigation, code enforcement and public education makes her a strong asset to our agency,” Mowbray said. “We are especially pleased that she will continue serving the citizens of Washington County and Western Maryland with the same professionalism and dedication she has demonstrated throughout her career.”
In addition to her investigative experience, Pelton has been a dedicated fire and life safety educator for over 20 years. She began teaching at the Children’s Village of Washington County in 2002 and later served on its Life Safety Education Committee. In 2022, she became the Youth Fire Safety Intervention program administrator.
While serving with the Hagerstown Fire Department, she led life safety education efforts, developing school-based fire prevention programs and launching an older adult fire safety initiative through grant funding from the Maryland Department of Health. She also served as the department’s social media coordinator, expanding outreach and public engagement.
