DPS NEWS

Ted Black Appointed as Utah State Fire Marshal

Today, the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) announces the appointment of Edward “Ted” Black as State Fire Marshal. Ted replaces recently retired Fire Marshal Coy Porter. 

Ted has been working as a chief deputy in the Fire Marshal’s Office since May 2013.

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Ted’s vast experience in various aspects of the fire service qualifies him for this post. I’m confident that Ted’s leadership in the Fire Marshal’s Office will continue to further our mission of keeping Utah safe.

Jess Anderson, Commissioner
Utah Department of Public Safety

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Biography
Ted came to the Utah Department of Public Safety in 2013, after 12 years as the fire marshal for the Weber Fire District. Between 1993 and 2001, Ted served in various roles in the former Salt Lake County Fire Department (now Unified Fire Authority), including fire prevention engineer and deputy fire marshal. 

Before entering government service, Ted worked in the private sector as a fire sprinkler systems designer and project manager. 

Ted is a member of the Utah State Fire Chiefs Association and is a former chair of the Utah State Fire Prevention Board, a past president of the Fire Marshals Association of Utah. He also holds memberships in the Joint Council of Fire Service Organizations, International Association of Arson Investigators, National Fire Protection Association and International Code Council, which includes recent roles on the 2021 Code Action Hearings-Fire Code Committee and 2021 Pandemic Task Force.

He holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Fire Administration/Investigation from Columbia Southern University and a Master’s of Science Degree in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University.

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About the Fire Marshal’s Office

The 27-member Fire Marshal’s Office was created in 1964 in accordance with the Utah State Fire Prevention Law. The office identifies, develops, and promotes ways of protecting life and property from fire-related perils through direct action and coordination of Utah fire services. 

They do this through: 

• Regulation, inspections and plan reviews of new construction of hospitals, clinics, state buildings, schools, jails, prisons and universities.
• Fire cause and origin determination/arson investigation assistance provided upon request from agencies that do not have the personnel or expertise in this area.
• Coordination of statewide fire training through the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy (UFRA).
• Certification, licensing and regulation of liquefied petroleum gas distributors and dispensing sites.
• Licensing and certification of the fire extinguisher and fire suppression system industry.
• Training for hazmat responders and providing technical support.
• Fire prevention education.