State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci officially declared his retirement on December 21, 2023, culminating a remarkable 50-year career, with a decade dedicated to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The announcement coincided with the agency's festive luncheon in Pikesville, where Geraci was joined by his family, both current and retired colleagues, including former and present police and fire chiefs, and representatives from various fire prevention and life safety associations.

Appointed as State Fire Marshal on August 14, 2013, by Maryland State Police Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Geraci has been a driving force in making Maryland a national leader in fire prevention. During his tenure, he collaborated with legislators to ensure the implementation of residential sprinklers for new homes, ten-year sealed battery smoke alarms, CO alarms in existing homes, and successful legislation mandating non-arc-resistant jacketed CSST in new homes and buildings.

Geraci's extensive fire service career spans over four decades, with over 30 years spent at the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service. In his final twelve years in Montgomery County, he served as the Assistant Fire Marshal. Post-retirement, Geraci maintained his commitment to fire safety by transitioning to the private sector and contributing to the Maryland State Fire Prevention Commission. He later served in Arlington County, Virginia, initially in the Office of Emergency Management and later as the Coordinator for the Bomb Squad Unit within the fire department.

As the state fire marshal, Geraci led a team of nearly 70 employees, including over 40 sworn deputy state fire marshals. His accomplishments include enhancing fire investigator safety through a focus on cancer prevention, upgrading agency vehicles, and negotiating substantial salary increases for investigators and civilian staff in collaboration with the State Law Enforcement Labor Alliance (SLEOLA). Geraci also championed mental health initiatives, providing training for all staff and their families.

Expressing gratitude for his colleagues, Geraci stated, "It has been an honor and privilege to have worked beside the finest men and women who have dedicated their lives to service for others."

In addition to his state responsibilities, Geraci served as the vice president of the National Association of State Fire Marshals since 2017. He received recognition for his advocacy work, including the Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award from the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) in 2020 and The Olin Greene Outstanding Fire Prevention Service Award from the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) in August.

During the farewell luncheon, Geraci commended the agency's achievements over the past ten years and expressed pride in the team's contributions.

Chief Deputy Jason M. Mowbray has been designated as the acting state fire marshal by Colonel Roland L. Butler, superintendent of the Maryland State Police. The process of selecting a new state fire marshal will commence in the new year, with candidate resumes being reviewed by the State Fire Prevention Commission. The final candidate will be chosen by Colonel Butler.

Following his retirement, Geraci plans to relocate to Florida to spend quality time with his wife, Kelly, and their children and grandchildren. His last day with the agency is set for December 31, 2023.