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The Southern Marin Fire Protection District Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Heather L. Marques, M.A., as Fire Chief, effective October 12, 2026.

Chief Marques brings approximately two decades of Bay Area fire-service experience spanning fire suppression, emergency medical services, special operations, incident management, training, homeland security, employee health and wellness, and executive administration.

She currently serves as Division Chief of Medical Services for the Alameda County Fire Department (a large metro fire department that answers in excess of 48,000 calls for service annually), where she oversees EMS operations, credentialing and accreditation, clinical quality and readiness, firefighter behavioral health and resilience, tactical medicine, special events, strategic planning, policy development, and other administrative responsibilities.

“Chief Marques brings a strong combination of operational experience, executive leadership, regional knowledge, and a genuine commitment to the people and communities we serve,” Board President Waldeck said. “Throughout our recruitment process, she demonstrated an understanding of the unique challenges facing Southern Marin and a leadership philosophy centered on integrity, collaboration, accountability, and service. We look forward to welcoming her to the District.”

Director Cristine DeBerry added, “Throughout the selection process, Heather demonstrated an exceptional ability to listen, connect with people, and bring diverse perspectives together around a common purpose. Her leadership style is thoughtful, collaborative, and grounded in building strong relationships. Those qualities will serve our employees, partner agencies, and communities extremely well as she leads the District into its next chapter.”

Chief Marques began her fire-service career with the Emeryville Fire Department in 2006 before joining the Alameda County Fire Department in 2012. During her career, she has served as a Firefighter/Paramedic, Captain/Paramedic, Battalion Chief, and Division Chief. Her operational background includes structural and wildland firefighting, advanced life support, hazardous materials, confined-space rescue, water rescue, tactical medicine, special events, and regional incident management.

In addition to her departmental responsibilities, Chief Marques has served as a Liaison Officer with California Complex Incident Management Team 10, Plans Section Chief with the East Bay Incident Management Team, and an instructor for the California Office of Emergency Services. She also serves as the Cal Chiefs Emergency Medical Services Northern Director, is a California State Fire Marshal Certified Fire Instructor, and holds the State Fire Marshal’s Chief Fire Officer Certification.

Director Cathryn Hilliard said Marques’ combination of leadership experience and collaborative approach will be especially valuable to Southern Marin. “Heather understands that strong fire-service leadership is built on trust, communication, and teamwork. She has demonstrated an ability to build relationships across ranks, disciplines, and organizations while remaining focused on operational readiness and service to the community. I look forward to working alongside her and supporting a smooth transition for our members and the communities we serve.”

Chief Marques holds a Master of Arts in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security, where her research focused on firefighter recruitment and retention. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley, graduating with honors and Phi Beta Kappa recognition, and completed her paramedicine education at Napa Valley College.

Her professional work has also emphasized firefighter behavioral health and resilience, peer support, workforce development, emergency preparedness, human trafficking awareness, and organizational culture. Chief Marques has authored numerous professional publications and has presented nationally and statewide on emergency medical services, leadership, recruitment and retention, organizational diversity, and first-responder recognition of human trafficking. In 2026, Chief Marques received the Meritorious Service Medal from the California Emergency Medical Services Authority, recognizing her sustained leadership in emergency medical services and accomplishments with statewide impact.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the next Fire Chief of the Southern Marin Fire Protection District,” Chief Marques said. “Southern Marin has an exceptional reputation for service, professionalism, innovation, and regional collaboration. I look forward to listening and learning from our firefighters, staff, labor partners, Board members, community leaders, and residents, and to working together to build upon the District’s strong foundation.”

Chief Marques will officially assume command of the Southern Marin Fire Protection District on October 12, 2026.