(a)    (1)    A county or municipal corporation of the State may designate a fire marshal or appropriate fire official to serve as assistant State fire marshal to carry out this title, including issuing orders, in that county or municipal corporation.

(2)    An assistant State fire marshal may not receive compensation from the State.

(3)    The State Fire Marshal shall carry out this title in a county or municipal corporation that has not designated an assistant State fire marshal.

(b)    (1)    An assistant State fire marshal shall have at least completed National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1031 - Fire Inspector I, or the equivalent, as determined by the State Fire Marshal.

(2)    The State Fire Marshal may administer an examination based on NFPA Standard 1031 before designating an individual as an assistant State fire marshal.

(c)    (1)    The State Fire Marshal may designate as a special assistant State fire marshal:

(i)    a law enforcement officer involved in arson investigations;

(ii)    any other suitable individual who meets the standards established under this section; or

(iii)    on the advice of an assistant State fire marshal, a member of a fire department if:

1.    the designee is a full-time employee of the fire department;

2.    the designee performs fire inspections or fire investigations for the fire department; and

3.    the fire department is organized and operates in the State.

(2)    A special assistant State fire marshal serves at the pleasure of the State Fire Marshal.

(3)    A special assistant State fire marshal may not receive compensation from the State.

(4)    Each special assistant State fire marshal shall assist the State Fire Marshal in carrying out the duties of the State Fire Marshal under this title.

(d)    The Commission may remove an assistant or special assistant State fire marshal for just cause by a majority decision:

(1)    on the recommendation of the State Fire Marshal; and

(2)    after an administrative hearing.