§ 7383. State Fire Commissioner.

(a) State Fire Commissioner.--There shall be a State Fire Commissioner, who, through the Lieutenant Governor, shall report to the Governor on all matters concerning fire safety in this Commonwealth. The Office of the State Fire Commissioner shall be within the agency for administrative purposes only, and the commissioner shall not report to the director of the agency. The commissioner shall have the power and duty to:

(1) Coordinate the activities of State and local community interests engaged in fire prevention and control activities.

(2) Serve as a focal point for information relative to fires, property damage, injuries and the loss of life.

(3) Disseminate, through periodic reports, information about fire prevention efforts and fire control techniques.

(4) Develop and participate in a program of public information and education designed to create a public awareness of the incidence and the ravages of fire and methods the individual can take to prevent fires and minimize loss when they occur.

(5) Serve as a central point to support local efforts and interests in all matters pertinent to fire prevention and control.

(b) Transfer.--The commissioner shall use, employ and expend, in connection with the functions, powers and duties enumerated in subsection (a) for the position of the commissioner, contract obligations, if any, records, files, property, supplies and equipment now being used or held in connection with such functions, powers and duties and the unexpended balance of appropriations, allocations, Federal grants and other funds available or to be made available for use in connection with such functions, powers and duties as previously were vested in the agency by Reorganization Plan No.5 of 1981 (P.L.612).

(c) Qualifications and appointment.--The commissioner shall be a person who, by reason of training, experience and attainment, is qualified to coordinate fire prevention and control activities. The commissioner shall be appointed by the Governor after consultation with the fire service community. The commissioner shall act as the Commonwealth's primary representative with the Statewide fire service community.