Governor announces retirement and new leader: State Fire Marshal

Governor Kathleen Sebelius announces the retirement of Jack Alexander, Kansas State Fire Marshal, which is effective November 2, 2007.    Alexander was appointed by the Governor to this position in August 2004.

“I appreciate Jack’s dedication to the safety of Kansans,” Sebelius said. “He’s been a strong public servant throughout his career and I wish him all the best in retirement.”

With Alexander’s retirement, Sebelius names Daniel McLaughlin as Acting State Fire Marshal. Upon confirmation by the Kansas Senate, McLaughlin will assume the role permanently.

McLaughlin has worked in the Fire Marshal’s office for eight years, having served as Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal for the past four years. McLaughlin is certified in fire fighting and has a strong knowledge of fire behavior. He has extensive experience working with blueprints, code application and understands materials used in commercial and private home construction.

 “Dan has been a strong advocate for fire safety and education,” Sebelius said. “His experience combined with his working relationships throughout the state will be beneficial as he accepts this responsibility.”

McLaughlin shares his time and knowledge as a board member of the Governor’s Council on Homeland Security, Kansas Propane Educational Research Council, Propane Marketers Association of Kansas, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Advisory Board, and the Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute.

In addition, McLaughlin is a member of the following: Fire Marshal Association of Kansas, Fire Education Association of Kansas, Kansas Forest Service, Kansas Community College Fire Training, Kansas State Firefighters Association, Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute, and the Kansas Chapter of International Associations of Arson Investigators, among other fire and safety related organizations.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal is organized into four divisions: Hazardous Materials, Investigation, Prevention, and Education & Training. Each division focuses on a specific aspect of fire loss.

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