Deputy State Fire Marshal Oliver Alkire, of the Northeast Regional Office of the State Fire Marshal in Bel Air, has been named the recipient of the 2015 James C. Robertson Deputy State Fire Marshal of the Year award.
State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci made the presentation during a ceremony Monday at the Maryland State Firemen's Association annual convention in Ocean City.
Alkire was nominated by his previous supervisor, Deputy Chief Matthew Stevens. He was cited for his many achievements in 2015, including response to 64 investigations resulting in 16 arrests for arson/explosive-related charges.
It was also noted that Alkire performs extremely well as an accomplished assistant public information officer for the Fire Marshal's Office and is serving as an accelerant handler with his dog "Kachina."
Originally a native of Westernport, in Allegany County, Alkire lives in Abingdon. He began his career with the Fire Marshal's Office in January 2008 and "has consistently proven himself to be a dedicated and well respected law enforcement officer," according to a news release announcing the award.
"Deputy Alkire exemplifies the overall desire and commitment our investigators embrace to ensure the safety of Maryland's citizens," Geraci said in a statement.