Meet the New State Fire Marshal: Dick Swingley

Attorney General Tim Fox announced his appointment of new State Fire Marshal, Stephen “Dick” Swingley, at a press conference this morning.

“Dick clearly understands what it means to serve others,” said Attorney General Tim Fox.  “For over four decades, he’s protected Montana citizens from harm, first as a member of the Great Falls Fire Department for over 30 years, followed by his service to our agency as a Deputy State Fire Marshal for the past 15 years.  Over the last several months, Dick has been the Acting State Fire Marshal, and many people have spoken highly of his good character and contributions to the fire service during that time.  State Fire Marshal Swingley has my full confidence as he accepts this new role today.”

A native of Great Falls, Swingley attended the University of Montana.  He was a member of the Great Falls Fire Department for 30 years, and served for several years as the city fire marshal. Swingley has been a deputy state fire marshal at the Montana Department of Justice for the past 15 years, and was the acting state fire marshal since the retirement of former state fire marshal Allen Lorenz last May. Swingley currently serves on national fire code review and adoption boards and committees.

The state fire marshal leads the Fire Prevention and Investigations Section, which is part of the Division of Criminal Investigation at the Montana Department of Justice.  State Fire Marshals provide statewide fire prevention and investigation services in areas of inspection of schools, day care centers, motels, hotels, and other public and state owned buildings. The state fire marshal and deputy state fire marshals also conduct inspections of new building construction and assist with the adoption of fire safety regulations and codes.