Deputy Fire Marshals attend the Alaska Department of Public Safety training academy, in Sitka, Alaska. This is a paramilitary academy where candidates learn the basics of becoming an Alaska Police Officer. Upon completion of the academy, the candidate will be assigned to a field training post and undergo training under a field training officer, assisting in police cases. Deputy Fire Marshals are tasked with performing building inspections and fire investigations throughout the State of Alaska. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is in Anchorage and all Deputy fire Marhsals are based in either Anchorage or Fairbanks.
Building inspections are conducted throughout the State of Alaska and enforce the adopted edition of the International Fire Code. Candidates will complete training on code enforcement and obtain an International Code Council Fire Inspector I and II certification.
Candidates will attend a two-week training at the National Fire Academy, in Emmitsburg, Maryland, on Fire/Arson Origin and Cause Investigations. Upon completion of the academy, candidates will be eligible to take the Alaska Certified Fire Investigator examination, through the Alaska Fire Standards Council.
This career is within a unique division of the Department of Public Safety. You will travel the state via motor vehicle, vessel, aircraft, ATV, snowmachine, dog sled or any other means required to reach remote sites within Alaska.
Deputy Fire Marshals are full-time Department of Public Safety employees
Starting pay range (Does not include incentive pay or O.T.):
Deputy Fire Marshal 1
$82,451.20 – $99,112 Annually $39.64 – $47.65 Hourly
Deputy Fire Marshal 2
$95,534.40 – $114,836.80 Annually $45.93 – $55.21 Hourly
Bargaining Unit: Public Safety Employees Association, Local 803
Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage available for Deputy Fire Marshal’s and their qualified dependents
In 1955, the 22nd Territorial Legislature assigned three additional functions to the Department of Territorial Police: driver’s licensing, weights and measures inspection and supervision of a newly created fire marshal’s office. An arson fire in a building next door to the Territorial Police offices in Anchorage sparked the creation of the Office of the Fire Marshal. Senate Bill 24 was signed into law by Territorial Governor B. Frank Heintzleman, on March 23, 1955.
Territorial Fire Marshal Hilton Dearinger emphasized the importance of arson investigation. During the early years of the functioning of this one-man agency, he provided training and assisted in investigations. He is seen in the black and white photo above, at the scene of a suspicious fire near Anchorage, with Territorial Police Officer Frank Johnson.
In 1965, due to the devastating and alarming number of fire related fatalities (averaging 35 per year), the State Firefighters Association convinced the legislature to authorize a statewide fire training position within the Department of Vocational Education, to provide training for volunteer fire fighters and the general population.
As commissioned officers, the hiring process for a Deputy Fire Marshal is the same as for an Alaska State Trooper. You can find out more about the hiring process by clicking the Find Out More button below.
As commissioned officers, the qualifications for an Alaska Deputy Fire Marshal I are the same as for an Alaska State Trooper. You can find the list of qualifications by clicking the Find Out More button below.
A Deputy Fire Marshal II requires the same qualifications as a Deputy Fire Marshal I, plus the following:
Possess a police officer “Basic Certification” issued by the Alaska Police Standards Council
AND
Possess the following certificates: Certified Fire Investigator and Fire Inspector I
Candidate Assistance Video Series
State of Alaska Department of Public Safety, 5700 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99507, Phone: (907) 269-5511