Fire Marshal Moved to Fire Department

The Fire Marshal’s Office has been moved from the Development Services Department to the San Angelo Fire Department to better reflect the alignment of missions and to ensure a closer working relationship, particularly on the scene of fires.

“Nothing really changes other than the organizational setting, but it does help improve and maintain the integrity of the continuity of operations for the Fire Department,” Fire Marshal Ross Coleman said. “It’s getting us back to where we belong.”

The mission of the Fire Marshal’s Office is to protect life and property from the threat of fire and explosion through education, inspections and investigations. It was created as the enforcement arm for the Fire Department, where the office was organizationally located for decades. Approximately 10 years ago, the office was relocated under Development Services, becoming the only municipal fire marshal’s office in Texas not aligned with a fire department.

Coleman and Fire Chief Brian Dunn recommended the Fire Marshal’s Office be placed back under the Fire Department, noting:

• The move would ensure closer ties that are critical on the scenes of fires. That relationship will result in better information and training for firefighters on recognizing potential evidence at fire scenes.
• A key component of fire inspections is ensuring the safety of firefighters who may have to fight fires in the structure.
• Chief Dunn holds the certifications, commissions and law enforcement licenses of the Fire Marshal’s investigators and inspectors. The Fire Marshal’s Office also uses the Fire Department’s computer system.
• The missions and visions of the two operations are already aligned.

“It’s definitely a much better fit having them work for us,” Chief Dunn said.

A lack of space at Central Fire Station will necessitate that the Fire Marshal’s Office remain in the Community Services Building adjacent to City Hall. The office will still be involved in Design Review Committee meetings – a one-stop shop for proposed development projects.