South Bend Fire Chief Stephen Cox named Indiana state fire marshal

Governor Eric Holcomb announced Tuesday he has named South Bend Fire Chief Stephen Cox to serve as the Indiana state fire marshal.

“Chief Cox brings great experience, leadership and vision to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security,” Governor Holcomb said in a press release. “I know that as the state’s fire marshal he will enhance public safety in the state of Indiana and continue to build partnerships with first responders and all Hoosiers.”

Cox has been with the South Bend Fire Department for 26 years as a paramedic, firefighter, EMS instructor, EMS chief and was promoted to fire chief in 2012.

Cox created a fire training center and collaborated with the Indiana National Guard to form a Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team.

Jim Greeson retired as the Indiana state fire marshal last month after 11 years.

The fire marshal leads the Indiana Department of Homeland Security Division of Fire and Building Safety. The division investigates suspicious fires, promotes fire prevention and enforces fire and building safety codes in all public buildings, among other duties.

Chief Cox's last day with the South Bend Fire Department will be October 4. Assistant Fire Chief Todd Skwarcan has been named interim Chief, effective October 5

“I want to thank Chief Cox for a sterling seven and a half years leading the South Bend Fire Department,” said Mayor Pete Buttigieg. “Chief presided over a transformative time for the SBFD, and he leaves it as one of the best departments in the country. I wish him the best as he begins his new role of Indiana State Fire Marshal.”

“I’m honored to have been able to serve the citizens of South Bend for the past 26 years and to have the Public’s trust while serving the past 7-plus years as Fire Chief,” said Chief Cox. “The Mayor’s and Administration’s support has been amazing and has helped us achieve excellence. Of course, success couldn’t have been possible without the great work performed by the men and women of the South Bend Fire Department and I thank them for the job they do every day. They are true professionals.”

Cox will begin his new role as state fire marshal on October 21.