State Fire Marshal and command staff tour launches April 25
The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal (SFM) is hosting a series of upcoming regional statewide outreach events to foster stronger connections with members of Ohio’s fire service community and the public.
These free events will allow firefighters and community members throughout the state to engage directly with SFM leadership about a wide range of safety-related topics.
“Our mission at the Division of State Fire Marshal is all about prevention, education and strengthening the bond between the fire service and the communities we serve,” State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon said. “Over the years, we’ve found that many individuals don’t fully understand what the Division does as an organization. Our goal with this listening tour is to take meaningful steps toward changing that.”
Tour dates and locations (events will take place 10 a.m. – noon):
• April 25: Bowling Green Fire Department, Veterans Building – 520 Conneaut Ave., Bowling Green, Ohio 43402.
• May 9: Athens Fire Department, Athens City Community Center – 701 E. State St., Athens, Ohio 45701.
• June 6: Akron Fire Department, 81 W. Thornton St., Akron, Ohio 44311.
• July 18: Lebanon Fire Department, 610 N. Broadway, Lebanon, Ohio 45036.
• August 13: Division of State Fire Marshal, 8895 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068.
In addition to the administrative arm of the division, command staff representatives from each of SFM’s seven bureaus will share information, answer questions, and discuss how their work impacts the fire service and protects communities throughout Ohio. SFM’s bureaus include:
• Bureau of Testing and Registration
• Ohio Fire Academy
• Code Enforcement Bureau
• Fire & Explosion Investigation Bureau
• Bureau of Underground Storage Tanks Regulations
• Forensic Lab
• Fire Prevention Bureau.
“These statewide outreach events represent a wonderful opportunity for us to speak directly with stakeholders,” Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Richard Sluder said. “We look forward to meeting with firefighters and community members alike to answer their questions and discuss how we can continue to work together for a safer Ohio.”
For more information, visit the State Fire Marshal’s website at com.ohio.gov/fire.
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