Senior Deputy State Fire Marshal Adam Rounds of the Western Regional Office has been named the 2024 Deputy State Fire Marshal of the Year for the Western Region. He was previously nominated for the same honor in 2022.
He will join five other Deputy State Fire Marshals from each of the agency’s regional offices and the Bomb Squad next month at the Maryland State Firefighters Convention in Ocean City for the prestigious “James C. Robertson, Deputy State Fire Marshal of the Year” award.
A Garrett County native and graduate of the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy, Rounds joined the agency in September 2020 after serving more than 12 years with the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office. Since then, he has continually exemplified professionalism, leadership, and a deep commitment to public safety and fire prevention.
In 2024 alone, Senior Deputy Rounds led 51 investigations—50 fire-related and one involving explosives—achieving a 100% criminal case closure rate, significantly surpassing the national average. He also led the agency in arrests, with a total of 19, including multiple cases of first- and second-degree arson, malicious burning, and 14 incidents involving the destruction of sprinkler systems within Maryland Division of Corrections facilities.
Among the notable cases investigated were two back-to-back arsons on consecutive days in October 2024. One resulted in the conviction of a suspect who traveled from Cockeysville, Maryland, to the Rocky Gap area and set fire to his truck tractor. In another, a Grand Jury indictment was secured against a suspect accused of setting her former boyfriend’s house on fire; that case is scheduled for trial in June 2025.
Rounds is an adjunct instructor for Allegany College, teaching Disaster Preparedness. Over the past year, he has pursued advanced training, completing the IAAI Fire Fatality course, the ATF Homemade Explosives Awareness Course, and the FLETC Tactical Medical for First Responder training. These qualifications have enhanced his capacity to handle complex and high-risk investigations.
Beyond his investigative achievements, Senior Deputy Rounds conducted over 100 fire safety inspections and participated in a wide range of community outreach initiatives, including “Police Providing Presents,” “Fish with a Cop,” smoke alarm installations, and Allegany County Law Enforcement Day.
“Senior Deputy Rounds is a multi-talented employee, enjoys positive interaction with the public, and promotes the Office of the State Fire Marshal with passion,” said Deputy Chief Brandon Beall, commander of the Western Region. “His commitment to public engagement and risk reduction continues to elevate the agency’s mission and visibility,” continued Beall.
In addition to his professional responsibilities, Senior Deputy Rounds serves as a field training officer and assistant coordinator of the Office of the State Fire Marshal Honor Guard. He is also a dedicated family man—husband and father to twin boys—a Grantsville Town Council member and a previous 19-year volunteer firefighter with the Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department.
