Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz has appointed Assistant Chief Marion Spann as City of Houston Fire Marshal. Spann is the first Black woman to serve in this role in Houston. The Fire Marshal oversees the Arson Bureau which includes arson, origin/cause, intelligence, prosecution; and the Life Safety Bureau of the Houston Fire Department which includes inspection, education, enforcement, and code development.

Spann joined the Houston Fire Department in 1994 and has served in various roles, including as Chief Inspection Officer, enforcing the provision of the Fire Prevention Code and state laws and regulations pertaining to fire prevention and protection. She holds industry credentials as a Master Fire Inspector. In 2000, HFD promoted Spann to Engineer Operator, making her the first Black woman to serve at that rank.

 "When Mayor John Whitmire appointed me as Fire Chief, he told me to make sure we have the right people in the right place to protect citizens and care for our firefighters. Chief Spann has the experience and credentials to get the job done. Her time as an inspector and her leadership and team development will serve this city well," said Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz.

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Chief Spann most recently served as assistant chief over recruiting. She holds an Executive Master of Public Administration from Texas Southern University.

"This is a proud day for me and my family, and I'm thrilled to continue my work for this city that I love. I thank Chief Muñoz for his leadership," said Spann.

"The appointment of Chief Spann as the City of Houston's first Black woman fire marshal demonstrates my commitment to diversity and sends a strong message to all Houstonians that we recognize leadership and experience, certainly during my administration," said Mayor John Whitmire.

Assistant Chief Mohammad Koochack will fill her vacated role over recruiting. This leadership change also sees former Fire Marshal Richard Galvan move to Chief of Staff.

Source: City of Houston

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