Santa Monica Fire Department Names New Fire Marshal

After a two-month search, The Santa Monica Fire Department has a new fire marshal, fire officials said. Assistant fire marshal Eric Binder was promoted Wednesday to the post following fire marshal Nancy Johnson’s retirement in September.

Binder, a 14-year veteran of the department, was initially hired as a senior fire inspected and was promoted to assistant fire marshal in July 2009. He has supervised hazardous materials, high rise and licensed facilities inspection programs.

Binder holds a bachelor and masters of Science degrees, and several certifications from the California State Fire Marshal, according to a fire department press release.

 “Each of the candidates for the position was extremely well qualified, however it was a blend of Eric’s vision and attention to detail that earned him the opportunity to lead the Prevention Division into the future,” fire chief Scott Ferguson stated in a news release.

The fire marshal is charged with guiding a division of dedicated personnel responsible for ensuring that the highest degree of fire and life safety standards are met for the citizens, businesses and the many visitors to Santa Monica, according to the release. 

“The development occurring within the community is certainly exciting; it is occurring at a rate never before experienced by our Fire Department,” Binder stated in a release.

The Fire Marshal’s Office plays a key role in the development process, analyzing current and future impacts to fire protection resources.