SFM Names New Code Enforcement Chief

State Fire Marshal Larry L. Flowers announced William A. Spurgeon of Newark, Ohio as Chief of the Code Enforcement Bureau. In this role, Spurgeon will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the bureau and will be tasked with identifying the bureau’s goals and objectives. Spurgeon begins in his new position on October 3. 

“Bill will be a great asset to the Code Enforcement Bureau,” Marshal Flowers said. “His leadership skills and fire service background will be valuable for our entire office.”

Spurgeon joins the Department of Commerce from the City of Newark, where he has served as the Director of Public Safety for nearly five years. He brings nearly three decades of fire service experience to the office, having served as a Lieutenant, Captain, Training Coordinator, Human Resources Division Chief and Assistant Chief with the Newark Division of Fire and EMS. He graduated Cum Laude from Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) and has completed the Ohio Fire Executive Program. He is the chairperson for the COTC Fire Science Advisory Committee and Alumni Committee and has taught classes in the Fire Science Program at the college.

He has been married for more than 30 years to his wife, Susan. They have two adult children; Trevor and Erica. Spurgeon worships and serves on the Praise Worship Team at Newark Nazarene Church.

“I’m very grateful for this new opportunity and look forward to helping Marshal Flowers safeguard the public and our first responders,” Spurgeon said. “I will work tirelessly to ensure the public’s trust is well placed.”

Alan Smith, one of the bureau’s Fire Safety Inspection Supervisors, has been serving as Acting Chief while the position was vacant. Marshal Flowers thanked Acting Chief Smith for his commitment to the bureau.

“Alan stepped up to help ensure the office ran smoothly. I appreciate all of the time and effort he put into his role as acting chief,” he said, in thanking Smith for his service. Smith will continue in his supervisory role with the bureau.