Gov. Eric Holcomb has named a former South Bend fire chief to be the next Indiana state fire marshal.
Stephen Cox will begin his new duties on Oct. 21, replacing Jim Greeson who retired in September after 11 years of service.
As Indiana’s fire marshal, Cox will lead the Indiana Department of Homeland Security Division of Fire and Building Safety. This division investigates suspicious fires, promotes fire prevention, and enforces fire and building safety codes in all public buildings.
Cox served at South Bend for 26 years, 12 of which he was an executive leader. There he was a paramedic, firefighter, an EMS instructor and EMS chief of the fire department. He was promoted to fire chief in 2012.
He collaborated with the Indiana National Guard to form the Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team, which helps with Indiana’s disaster preparedness.