About Mark T. Ruff

A 33-year veteran of the Baltimore City Fire Department, Mark T. Ruff has climbed every rung of the ladder; from Fire Fighter following his December 1993 Academy graduation, through Battalion Chief, to Deputy Chief in December 2025, and now Assistant Chief as of July 2026.

A Baltimore native, Chief Ruff graduated from Cardinal Gibbons High School, studied at Catonsville Community College, and trained through Local Union #48's Plumber's Apprentice Program before dedicating his career to public safety. He brings sharp expertise in strategic planning, policy development, incident command, and officer development; building the next generation of fire service leaders through hands-on mentorship. His drive traces back to his father's work ethic and his brother John, a retired Baltimore City Battalion Commander. That legacy has earned him multiple departmental commendations and a reputation for treating every member fairly.

For over 22 years, Chief Ruff has served Northwest Baltimore, working directly with neighborhood associations and city leadership to keep residents safe where they live. Community outreach isn't a talking point for him, it's daily practice. Chief Ruff leads with two commitments that never waver: equality across the department, and the oath he swore on his Academy graduation day — to leave Baltimore City better than he found it.