OCEAN CITY, Md. — Senior Deputy State Fire Marshal Timothy “TJ” McDonald was named the 2024 James C. Robertson Deputy State Fire Marshal of the Year during a ceremony at the Maryland State Firefighters Association annual convention on June 19, 2025. Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray presented the award, recognizing McDonald’s exceptional service in the Salisbury-based Lower Eastern Regional Office.
“Senior Deputy McDonald represents the dedication and commitment our investigators bring to their work each day to help keep Maryland’s citizens safe,” Mowbray said during the presentation.
McDonald, who joined the Office of the State Fire Marshal in September 2019, was selected from six nominees representing the agency’s regional offices and Bomb Squad. Each nominee was praised for their professionalism, with Mowbray noting, “These investigators embody the dedication and integrity of the entire agency. Every day, they go above and beyond, driven by a shared mission to protect the people of Maryland and make our communities safer for everyone.”
In 2024, McDonald completed over 100 hours of advanced training in explosives awareness, fatal fire investigations, weapons of mass destruction response, and lithium-ion battery incidents. He also earned his Certified Fire Investigator certification through the International Association of Arson Investigators. His investigative efforts included 21 fire investigations and 59 fire safety inspections, resulting in 14 arson-related arrests.
A standout case involved a series of Molotov cocktail attacks in Wicomico County. McDonald’s meticulous investigation swiftly identified and led to the arrest of two serial arsonists, restoring community safety. “Deputy McDonald was nominated not just by me but by several coworkers in the Lower Eastern Regional Office,” said Deputy Chief Matt Stevens, McDonald’s supervisor. “That says a lot about the impact and respect he’s earned from his peers.”
McDonald’s contributions earned him multiple accolades, including a Governor’s Citation and a unique replica license plate as a token of appreciation, not for official use. His strong work ethic and willingness to assist colleagues have made him a vital team member since graduating from the police academy.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal, responsible for fire investigations and safety enforcement across Maryland, relies on deputies like McDonald to protect communities. His award highlights the agency’s commitment to excellence in public safety. The convention, held at the Ocean City Convention Center, brought together firefighters and officials to celebrate achievements in fire prevention and response.
McDonald’s recognition underscores the critical role of fire marshals in safeguarding Marylanders. As arson and fire-related incidents continue to challenge communities, his work exemplifies the dedication needed to maintain public safety. For more information on the Office of the State Fire Marshal, visit the Maryland State Fire Marshal website.
