Ohio fire marshal retiring after 6 years in the role

Larry Flowers was appointed fire marshal in 2011 by Gov. John Kasich after serving as a state lawmaker

Associated Press

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio — Ohio's top fire official is retiring after six years in that role.

The state Department of Commerce says State Fire Marshal Larry Flowers will celebrate his retirement on Friday, the day before he turns 65.

He was appointed fire marshal in 2011 by Gov. John Kasich after serving as a state lawmaker. He previously led the Madison Township Fire Department in Franklin County.

The division says a new fire marshal will be chosen by the Department of Commerce director, based on recommendations from the State Fire Council.

In the meantime, Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Jeff Hussey is expected lead the division on an interim basis.

The division is responsible for fire safety education, regulation, investigation and enforcement, and training firefighters.

@OhioFire Marshal Larry Flowers visited Bath School today to talk about #firesafety with students. pic.twitter.com/gfJ0znOJQ8
— Bath Twp. Fire Dept. (@bathtwpfd) December 10, 2015

Spending some time w my friend @OhioFire Marshal Larry Flowers at the Ohio Fire Chiefs Conference. pic.twitter.com/4TwnogoOln
— Chief Joseph Kitchen (@Bathtwpchief) July 16, 2016

Can you escape from a fire with only a moment’s notice? #SafeAndSound @OhioDeptOfAging pic.twitter.com/xZn10qyNVR
— Ohio Fire Marshal (@OhioFire) April 25, 2016