The Pullman City Fire Department welcomed its new deputy fire marshal after hiring him on Jan. 29
Deputy fire marshal Adam Hoffman was previously employed by the City of Pullman as a building inspector. He will join the fire department team and focus primarily on fire prevention within the community.
“There’s a lot to learn about fire services, however, I have a strong background with the city and am excited to continue to serve the community,” Hoffman said.
Hoffman’s role as deputy fire marshal includes fire inspections for businesses within the city’s jurisdiction, he said. Businesses such as restaurants, stores and any other public corridors such as WSU, will have to pass inspections conducted by Hoffman, ensuring they meet the legal standards. Standards include but are not limited to having efficient fire exists, safe extension cords and outlets and a working fire alarm.
“I’m looking forward to understanding more about the fire code inspections because it’s similar to what i’ve done for city hall’” Hoffman said.
Because WSU is a public university, it has specific fire codes that it must obey, he said. During his time as the deputy fire marshal of Pullman, Hoffman will also conduct fire safety education within the community.
The fire deputy marshal makes visits to classrooms to give talks to students and educate them on fire prevention. Hoffman will teach classes and attend miscellaneous events that involve fire education.
Pullman fire chief Mike Heston was involved in the recruiting process for a new deputy fire marshal, he said. One of the most important roles within the department is the fire marshals because they work to prevent accidents from happening in the first place.
“Our best way to protect the community is fire prevention,” Heston said.
The department was looking for someone with good communication skills, Heston said. It is crucial they were qualified to explain rules and regulations well and accurately while teaching fire prevention to many different demographics.
Heston said he believed Hoffman was the best candidate due to his previous inspection experience at City Hall. Hoffman is already decently familiarized with the city, which was also seen as a good quality in the candidate Heston said.
Another duty filled by the deputy fire marshalis fire investigation. Hoffman will respond to fires and inquire into the cause. He will also review new business plans and confirm they are up to legal standards, he said.
The typical work week for the deputy fire marshal when working for the city of Pullman is four 10-hour days. Hoffman is also expected to be prepared to respond after hours in the case of a fire to investigate the cause, Heston said.
The job opening was posted to numerous online fire groups and newsletters when the city began looking for someone to fill the empty Deputy Fire Marshal position that previously belonged to Tony Nuttman who served for the fire department since 2001, Heston said. There were a total of five candidates.
During the recruitment process candidates were expected to answer numerous questions regarding fire safety, personality and lifestyle, Heston said. To be eligible for hire, candidates must exceed a score of 70% accuracy.
Hoffman must pass several tests to obtain the required certifications for the job. Such certifications include the fire inspector 1&2 Certifications, the fire plan examination and the fire investigation technician certification, he said. All tests are online and must be completed within a year of employment.
