Fire Prevention

Craig Gillis - Assistant Chief
Email Assistant Chief Craig Gillis

The Prevention Division, headed by Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Marshal Craig Gillis, encompasses the areas of Education, Enforcement and Emergency Management. Public educational activities and associated programs are managed by the Public Education Coordinator. Enforcement activities include issuing permits, counseling juvenile fire setters, fire investigations, conducting target hazard inspections in selected occupancies, and providing training to Operations Division personnel on fire inspections, investigations and fire protection systems. Prevention Division members are certified to conduct complex investigations, including the filing of arson charges when criminal acts have been committed and providing expert courtroom testimony.

Engineering is a key responsibility of the Fire Prevention Division and connects the Fire Department to the developing community. Several services are available to builders and developers including plan review, environmental site assessments, permits, and new and existing life safety systems inspections. Members of the Fire Prevention Division are involved in the development of national, state, and local codes and ordinances which will ensure that fire-safe facilities will be built and maintained for years to come. Emergency management activities ensure the city is prepared to handle large-scale emergencies through planning and preparedness.