State Fire Marshal Paulk is retiring after almost forty (40) years of public service including thirty-two (32) years of service with the State Fire Marshal’s office Paulk has served as State Fire Marshal in Alabama for ten (10) years. Before his appointment as State Fire Marshal, he served seven (7) years as Assistant State Fire Marshal and fifteen (15) years as Deputy State Fire Marshal.
Alabama Insurance Commissioner Jim Ridling said, “There is simply no way to properly express to Ed Paulk my deep appreciation for his many years of outstanding service to the people of Alabama. Ed possess a rare combination of vision, fairness, and a deep understanding of the law and regulations of his office — crucial qualities for an effective manager.”
Under Marshal Paulk’s leadership, the State Fire Marshal’s office conducted more than 8,200 fire and explosion investigations across the State of Alabama resulting in more than 2,000 arrests for crimes ranging from arson and capital murder to drug related offenses and fire code violations.