The Marion Fire Department’s arson investigators may soon have police powers, if the Board of Works approves the creation of a new fire department role – the fire marshal. City Attorney Tom Hunt said Monday other Indiana cities such as Anderson and Fort Wayne have fire marshals on staff, firefighters who have the authority to carry a firearm and conduct criminal investigations, including arresting arson suspects. Since arson cases require specialized, technical knowledge MFD’s fire prevention officers already investigate all arson cases in the City of Marion, but the designation of fire marshal will by state code give them police powers while they are conducting those investigations.