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DES MOINES, IOWA -- Department of Public Safety (DPS) Commissioner Eugene T. Meyer is pleased to announce his appointee for the next State Fire Marshal: Special Agent in Charge Raymond Reynolds. 

Upon the announcement Commissioner Meyer commented, “SAC Reynolds has long shown himself as a leader in the State Fire Marshal’s Office and in DPS; always bringing new ideas and enthusiasm to the job.  I’m looking forward to the future with Ray leading the State Fire Marshal’s Office.”

SAC Reynolds began his career at DPS in 1996.  He graduated from the 23rd DPS Basic Academy and joined the ranks of the State Fire Marshal’s Office as a Fire Prevention Inspector.  Over the last 13 years Reynolds has also worked as a Special Agent investigating fire and arson, and took on special assignments with the Intelligence Fusion Center working on the Joint Terrorism Task Force and coordinating the Law Enforcement Intelligence Network.  In addition to working for DPS, SAC Reynolds has also worked for five different volunteer fire departments over the course of his career and served 22 years in the Iowa National Guard.

“Becoming State Fire Marshal has been a lifelong career goal for me.  Fire service is my passion and I am committed to making this state a place for Iowans to live and work safely,” said SAC Reynolds.

In laying out his goals for the Office of the State Fire Marshal, SAC Reynolds told the Commissioner and staff one of his top priorities will be increasing outreach to the fire service and developing a more comprehensive fire prevention strategy. 

SAC Reynolds also offered up words of praise for his predecessor: “Fire Marshal Kenkel has done an outstanding job.  He has a lasting commitment to the fire service and much of his success here will be a foundation for the work ahead.”

Current State Fire Marshal Jim Kenkel retires from service on March 12, 2010.  SAC Reynolds will assume the duties of State Fire Marshal beginning March 19, 2010.  An official swearing in ceremony will be announced at a later date.