Split Fire Chief/Fire Marshal role into 2 separate positions

Police & Community SafetyPersonnelResolution

In Plain English

The city currently has one person serving as both Fire Chief and Fire Marshal. The council wants to create separate full-time positions for Fire Marshal and Deputy Fire Marshal. If approved, the city fills both roles by promoting current employees rather than hiring from outside.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

Direct the city manager as stated in Councilmember Willis' motion and to conduct a study session as stated in Councilmember Myrick's substitute motion

Passed

5 to 2

JBTBBCEMJMARMW

Why This Vote Matters

The council voted 5-2 to split the combined Fire Chief/Fire Marshal role into separate positions and create a new Deputy Fire Marshal position. Currently, one person handles both fire department leadership and fire safety inspections, but the city will now promote existing employees to fill the Fire Marshal and Deputy Fire Marshal roles rather than hiring outsiders. This change aims to improve fire safety oversight and department management by having dedicated staff for each function. Councilmembers Myrick and Butt opposed the decision, while the other five members supported it.

Auto-generated context. Source: official meeting records.

Other motions

Direct the city manager to start the proper processes to fill the vacant Fire Marshal position and create the Deputy Fire Marshal position

Failed

Hold a study session on fire prevention

Failed

Public Comments

1 person commented (1 spoke at the meeting).

Community Discussion

This discussion was submitted to the City Clerk as part of the public record.

Comments are submitted to the Richmond City Clerk before the meeting. By commenting, you agree to have your name and comment included in the public record.