He’ll be replaced by Deputy Fire Marshal Melanie Chase
Morgan Hill – The city’s longtime deputy fire marshal will be headed north, to the city of Los Altos, to serve in the same position at the end of October.
Bill Ferguson has been in Morgan Hill for 11 years. A deputy fire marshal for the Santa Clara County Fire Department he ensures that buildings and other structures in his area of responsibility meet fire codes.
“I like to say that I am not an enforcer of the code but an educator,” he said.
His time in the position was more pleasant because of the city officials he worked with.
“The city administration – building and planning departments – have been excellent to work with,” he said. “In fact, I have worked with over five building officials in the last 11 years.”
Ferguson is moving to the Santa Cruz mountains, while his replacement, Melanie Chase, is living in Morgan Hill.
“We as DFMs (deputy fire marshals) are not required to move, but since I have moved to the mountains, and Melanie lives in Morgan Hill, now was a good time for a change,” Ferguson said.
Chase could not be reached for comment as she’s on vacation until next week.
As deputy fire marshal, Ferguson said, he works with many different people, as the position is community oriented. His duties include conducting fire and life safety annual inspections and construction inspections for tenant improvement and for new buildings. He also is responsible for reviewing special event plans and conducting special event inspections and meetings. When someone has a complaint about a building or a situation that seems to be unsafe, Ferguson is the one who looks into it. He also takes care of weed abatement and record keeping.
One of the biggest challenges he faced was coming to a new city and setting up a fire prevention program where none existed.
“I have enjoyed the challenges of making the city safer and meeting
people,” he said.
A Santa Clara County native, Ferguson became deputy fire marshal when the city began contracting with SCCFD for fire services. He started his career in 1976 as a volunteer and worked in the Moffett Field Fire Department and the Lockheed Fire Department, as well as for the U.S. Forest Service.
Ferguson also teaches his trade to others. Since 1992, he has been teaching in the National Fire Academy’s bachelor of science program.
Marilyn Dubil covers education and law enforcement for The Times. Reach her at (408) 779-4106 ext. 202 or at md****@*************es.com.
