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Gabriele, who was the longest-serving State Fire Marshal of Maryland for nearly two decades and was also a member of state police department passed away on Wednesday, March 13, surrounded by his family.
He was first appointed to the position on Nov. 1, 1982, and when he retired in 2001, only one other State Fire Marshal in the United States had a longer tenure than Gabriele.
"With a long legacy, the passing of State Fire Marshal Rocco Gabriele is a loss to the Maryland public safety community," Chief Deputy and Acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray said.
"Gabriele had the honor of being the longest-serving Maryland State Fire Marshal with nearly two decades of service to the citizens of our State, in addition to the many years he previously served with the Maryland State Police,"
According to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, during his tenure, Gabriele "is credited with creating the first Administrative and Operations Manual for all personnel, including a disciplinary matrix as well as records retention schedules, submitting more than 40 pieces of legislation to enhance fire and life safety, which included fire investigators under the protection of the Heart and Lung Bill, and establishing the requirements for fire sprinkler contractors in 1997."
The Rosedale Volunteer Fire Company, where Gabriele was the oldest living member, having joined as a cadet member 75 years ago, also took to social media to share their memories of his family.
"We are lucky to have had Rocco Gabriele Sr. as a life long supporter," President Eileen Endryas said. "Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. We can best honor Rocky's legacy with our continued support of our mission to serve all who call for help in their time of need."
Prior to his time as Fire Marshal, Gabriele retired as a state police captain after 24 years of service overseeing the Maryland State Crime Lab.
Gabriele held an associate's degree in criminal justice from Essex Community College, a bachelor's of arts in sociology from Loyola University, and a master's in forensic laboratory management from George Washington University.
"During his tenure, Fire Marshal Gabriele was instrumental in professionalizing the law enforcement role of our agency," Mowbray continued. "Under his leadership, our deputies became better equipped, modern uniforms and protective equipment were issued, and agency vehicles were upgraded and fully marked for emergency response.
"His influences continue to impact everyone in Maryland from fire and explosives hazards."
Funeral services have not been finalized, but are expected to be held early next week.
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