By SHERRI KOLADE
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN – Fire Chief Richard Miller was appointed state fire marshal by Gov. Rick Snyder, according to a Lansing-based press release.
Miller was appointed as Dearborn’s fire chief in June 2010 by Mayor John O’Reilly Jr.
Miller served on the Michigan State Fire Safety Board since August 2011. He began his career as a firefighter in Dearborn more than 30 years ago with positions ranging from inspector to senior battalion chief.
“Richard Miller is a great fit for this post,” Snyder said. “He brings extensive training and more than 30 years of experience, and I am confident he will continue to ensure utmost quality and efficiency when it comes to safeguarding Michigan citizens and property from fire related emergencies.”
Miller has professional certifications for driver’s training; tactical and pump operations; hazardous materials; fire officer I, II and III; and others from Michigan’s Fire Fighters Training Council, according to the release.
The state fire marshal leads the Michigan Bureau of Fire Services and also serves as a member, or ex-officio member, of the State Fire Safety Board, Fire Fighters Training Council and State Board of Mechanical Rules, according to the release.
He received an associate’s degree in fire science from Henry Ford Community College, a bachelor’s degree in fire science and occupational safety and health from Madonna University and attended Eastern Michigan University’s School of Fire Staff and Command. Miller replaces Ronald Farr, who resigned in 2011.
Miller is a lifelong Dearborn resident and has volunteered for the Burn Drive, Dearborn Goodfellows, Meals on Wheels and Divine Child Parish.
Miller was not available for comment at press time.
(Sherri Kolade can be reached at [email protected])