Item:
Title
Creating the Position of Fire Marshal within the Office of Emergency Services
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: November 10, 2025
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to approve the creation of the position of Fire Marshal utilizing an existing position to provide leadership, direction, supervision, and budgetary authority and oversee the daily operations of the Office of Emergency Services Fire and Life Safety function consistent with statutory authority and to advance the County’s public safety priorities.
The Office of Emergency Services (OES) was established in March 2020 with the merger of Durham County EMS and the County Fire Marshal/Emergency Management teams. This merger created four functional areas within OES: Business Operations, Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Services, and Fire Prevention & Life Safety. The former Fire Marshal role was reclassified into the OES Director position at the time of the merger.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: This item aligns with Durham County Strategic Goal: Safe and Resilient Community.
Resource Persons: Kathy Everett-Perry, Chief Human Resources Officer, Dara Richardson, Assistant Director, Human Resources, Mark Lockhart, NRP, Director, Office of Emergency Services
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board approve the creation of the position of Fire Marshal by utilizing an existing position to provide leadership, direction supervision, and budgetary authority and oversee the daily operations of the Office of Emergency Services Fire and Life Safety function, consistent with statutory authority and to advance the County’s public safety priorities.
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________