May 19th, 2023 by WCBC Radio
Deputy State Marshal II Adam Rounds has been selected as the Western Regional Office nominee for Deputy State Fire Marshal of the Year. Rounds was nominated by Master Deputy State Fire Marshal Ed Ernst, who was acting supervisor of the Western Region after Deputy Chief Mowbray was promoted to Chief Deputy in May 2022.
Deputy Rounds 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 Firemans Convention in Ocean City for the "James C. Robertson, Deputy State Fire Marshal of the Year" award.
"During 2022, Deputy Rounds demonstrated himself as a thorough and efficient employee dedicated to the mission of the State Fire Marshal's Office and his community. Within the region, Deputy Rounds remains a self-motivated and reliable employee," stated Ernst.
Deputy Rounds performed consistently in all aspects of his assignment over the past year. His nomination highlighted that Rounds had 37 initial fire investigations and 167 fire safety inspections for the year, one of the highest inspection rates among statewide deputies. Of the 37 investigations, ten were criminal; 18 cases were closed, including 5 cases being closed with arrest. He was also praised for assisting other investigators within the Western Region, which consists of Garrett, Allegany, and Washington counties, the largest in square miles the Office of the State Fire Marshal covers.
"Deputy Rounds has been an asset to the Western Region and volunteers for multiple other assignments, including Fishing with a Cop, Shop with a Cop, and other regional events. These important events showcase our agency in the community and establish community trust and a positive image," stated Ernst.
With 15 years in law enforcement, Deputy Rounds is a seasoned police officer and investigator. He continues to advance his knowledge within the scientific field of fire investigation, having recently obtained his Fire Investigation Technician and Evidence Collection Technician certifications from the International Association of Arson Investigators. He has participated in recruitment events at Potomac State College in Keyser, West Virginia, and the Garrett County Fairgrounds. He also presents training to college classes relating to the agency and the fire investigation field. He has regularly presented to groups, including Allegany College of Maryland, and joined the newly formed OSFM Honor Guard. All this while caring for twins at home and being a volunteer firefighter with the Grantsville Volunteer Fire Company. Additionally, he serves as a member of the Grantsville Town Council.
"The amount of initiative and personal pride in taking on extra responsibilities in the community sets him apart from just doing the minimum required job duties. Through his performance and work ethic, Deputy Rounds has positively impacted the citizens of Western Maryland and the employees of the Western Regional Office. There is no question that Deputy Rounds' efforts have and will continue to result in a safer community." stated Ernst.
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