A. The State Fire Marshal Commission shall appoint a full-time State Fire Marshal. The State Fire Marshal shall administer and enforce the provisions of law pertaining to the Office of the State Fire Marshal to include, but not be limited to, fire and arson investigations, code enforcement, and public education under the supervision of the State Fire Marshal Commission and in accordance with Commission policies. The State Fire Marshal shall be a person of good moral character and a resident of Oklahoma at the time of appointment. The State Fire Marshal must have a minimum of ten (10) years' experience in fire protection, fire prevention, investigation, or criminal justice, which may include experience with any state, county, municipal, federal, military, or industrial fire protection or criminal justice agency. Successful completion of a degree in fire protection and prevention, criminal justice or administration from an accredited college or university, may be substituted for experience on a year-to-year basis. The State Fire Marshal shall possess administrative ability and experience. The State Fire Marshal may be required to obtain certification as a peace officer in the State of Oklahoma from the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training, and shall be subject to an extensive background investigation, psychological testing, and drug testing. The Commission may also require additional qualifications. The State Fire Marshal must have or be able to obtain a valid Oklahoma driver license and be a citizen of the United States.

B. The Commission shall appoint a full-time Assistant State Fire Marshal upon recommendation from the State Fire Marshal. The Assistant State Fire Marshal must have a minimum of seven (7) years experience in fire protection, fire prevention, investigations or criminal justice, which may include experience with any state, county, municipal, federal, military, or industrial fire protection or criminal justice agency. Successful completion of a degree in fire protection and prevention, criminal justice, or administration from an accredited college or university, may be substituted for experience on a year-to-year basis. The Assistant State Fire Marshal shall possess administrative ability and experience. The Assistant State Fire Marshal may be required to obtain certification as a peace officer from the Council on Law Enforcement and Education Training, and shall be subject to an extensive background investigation, psychological testing, and drug testing. The Commission may require additional qualifications. The Assistant State Fire Marshal must have or be able to obtain a valid Oklahoma driver license and be a citizen of the United States.

Added by Laws 1965, c. 257, § 4, eff. July 1, 1965. Amended by Laws 1983, c. 202, § 5, operative July 1, 1983; Laws 2001, c. 381, § 17, eff. July 1, 2001.