FULLERTON : Coleman Appointed State Fire Marshal

Fullerton Fire Chief Ronald J. Coleman has been named by Gov. Pete Wilson to serve as the new state fire marshal.

In the $83,868-a-year position, Coleman will be responsible for enforcing fire-related laws, investigating arson fires, providing training and education for all state fire service personnel, approving fire alarm systems, and gathering statewide statistical data on fires and burns. He replaces James F. McMullen, who resigned after seven years of service.

“Ronny is highly respected in the firefighting community for his professionalism, knowledge and service,” Wilson said in a statement. “With over three decades of experience, he will do an excellent job fulfilling the state fire marshal’s mission of protecting life and property.”

Coleman, named to the post late Thursday, was in Texas for the International Assn. of Fire Chiefs conference and could not be reached for comment Friday. Fullerton fire officials said they are planning several events to congratulate Coleman and bid him farewell.

“We’re delighted that he’s taking over the job,” Division Chief Larry Greene said. “He’ll definitely be an enhancement to the state because of his vast knowledge and experience . . . which will benefit us down at the local level.”

The full-time duties will mean that Coleman and his wife, Marie, will have to move to the Sacramento area. The Colemans have two children and four grandchildren.

Before coming to Fullerton as fire chief in 1985, Coleman, 51, had devoted more than 25 years to the profession as a firefighter, adviser and author.

His first assignment as a firefighter was with the U.S. Forest Service in 1960. In 1962, he was promoted within two years to fire control supervisor in Yosemite National Park, and a year later was named operations chief of the Costa Mesa Fire Department.

In 1973, Coleman became chief of the San Clemente Fire Department. During his decade-long tenure there, he founded Phoenix Technology, a fire protection research, development and consulting firm. He continues to serve as president of the company.

He left San Clemente in 1984 to take over as Fullerton’s chief. City officials said they will begin a search for his successor.

Active in educating a new generation of firefighters, Coleman has been a lecturer in training and education at fire departments and schools throughout the country. He has also authored nine textbooks and more than 130 articles for several fire science journals.

Last November, Coleman was elected vice president of the board of directors of the International Technical Committee for the Prevention and Extinction of Fire. The century-old committee includes 38 nations and is an advisory body to the United Nations Disaster Relief Organization and the European Economic Community.

Coleman’s appointment as state fire marshal is subject to Senate confirmation. He is scheduled to begin his new job March 9.