STATEWIDE– Master Deputy State Fire Marshal Edward Ernst, assigned to the Western Region of Office of the State Fire Marshal has been named the recipient of the 2023 James C. Robertson Deputy State Fire Marshal of the Year award. This is the third time Ernst has won the coveted award, a first in the Agency’s history. He previously won in 2009 and 2013.
Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray presented the award during a ceremony at the Maryland State Firemen’s Association annual convention in Ocean City on June 17, 2024.
“Master Deputy State Fire Marshal Ernst exemplifies the overall desire and commitment our investigators embrace to ensure the safety of Maryland’s citizens,” said Mowbray during the award presentation.
Ernst was nominated by his supervisor, Deputy Chief State Fire Marshal Brandon Beall. Ernst was lauded for his many achievements in 2023, such as conducting 62 initial fire and explosive investigations and maintaining a 56% criminal case closure rate.
“Master Deputy Ernst is always ready to respond and assist his team. He shares his knowledge generously, serving as a field training officer for a new employee in 2023 and contributing to the development of his colleagues,”said Beall.
Beyond investigations, Ernst actively participates in public education events such as Shop with a Cop, Trunk or Treat, and the Trooper 3 50th Anniversary, fostering positive interactions with the community and promoting the Agency’s mission. He also imparts his expertise by teaching arson and explosive blocks at the Washington County Police Academy.
Ernst was a former explosives detection canine handler. He and K9 Blitz responded throughout Maryland for suspicious packages and VIP standbys at events. Ernst is also well known as being the lead investigator on a 2013 multi-county arson spree involving 42 fires set in vehicles, barns, homes, garages, and trash containers. Along with multiple other investigators and agencies, their efforts resulted in the arrests of the eight individuals responsible for setting those fires.
Ernst was presented with multiple citations, including a Governor’s citation, and for the first time, received a unique replica license plate— not for official use — to show the Agency’s appreciation for the work he did in 2023.
Ernst was nominated with five other Deputy State Fire Marshals from each Agency’s regional offices as contenders for the James C. Robertson Award. All five deputies were applauded for their dedication to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
“Each of these individuals represents their peers with great devotion and distinction,” Mowbray said. “Each has gone above and beyond the call of duty. They come to work daily, looking forward to making Maryland a safer place to live, work, play, and raise a family.”
