Fire Service Tenure: I began working for the City of Sanford Fire Department in April 1988 as a Firefighter/EMT. In June 1995, I was promoted to Fire Inspector /Fire Investigator. During the next 11 years, I learned to review new construction plans for occupancies like the Sanford Orlando Airport terminal and the River Walk condo project which is just under seven sto- ries. In January 2006, I was pro- moted to Fire Marshal and in October 2010 the Building Division was placed under my span of control as part of a reorganization plan. Career Journey: I began my fire service career in 1985 as a vol- unteer firefighter for the City of Maitland Fire Department. That’s where I met my very first mentor - Bart Wright. In 1986, I began my paid fire service career in Port Charlotte Fire Department in Charlotte County, Florida, work- ing there almost 3 years before being offered a career with the Sanford Fire Department in 1988. In 2008, I was recognized as Fire Investigator of the year in Tallahassee by then Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink. Population Served including square miles covered: The City of Sanford Fire Department serves a population of 58,111 covering 26.5 square miles. Composition of fire prevention bureau: The City of Sanford Building & Fire Prevention Division consists of the Fire Marshal, the Building Official, two full-time fire inspec- tors, two part-time fire inspectors, five building inspectors, a plans examiner, two permit coordi- nators, one licensing coordinator, and an admin- istrative specialist. Describe your leadership style: By example; I would not ask any team mem- ber to do a task that I still would not do or have not already done. To me it’s always about Public Service and the trust our citizens place in Fire Departments across the Country. The daily task is helping citizens in difficult situations. “Don’t be afraid to say I am going to help you.” What is the most challenging issue fac- ing your fire prevention bureau today? The recruitment of future fire inspectors. Fire Prevention needs the dedicated skilled Firefighter with operational experience and edu- cation that is ready to take the next step - Prevention/Fire Loss Management. Many of our sister and brother firefighters love shift work and the hours. The world of Fire Prevention is a won- derful career with daily challenges and no two days are ever the same; Fire Marshals must encourage the new recruits to come up for a day and see what we do the other five days a week. How has the fire prevention bureau changed during your career? When I started in the 1980s many agencies including the Sanford Fire Department required Law Enforcement Certifications to work in the Fire Prevention Bureau. Today many agencies perform their own “cause and origin” with Fire Inspectors and follow Florida State Statues by requesting the State Fire Marshal’s office to respond once arson is suspected. The Florida Fire Prevention Code has changed and improved throughout the years to make our community and firefighters safe. What is the most challenging issue fac- ing the fire service today? Getting the public to understand what we do. This includes our Council members, City Managers, and Mayors. The fundamental under- standing is there, but prior to taking office I would love to see newly elected officials be required to spend eight hours on each shift and then a full day with a Fire Inspector in the field. The full understanding of work flow, customer service expectations, and how to help the cus- tomer achieve code compliance without citing a Notice of Violation. Not an easy task to do. How does your bureau accomplish training? Mostly through the Florida Fire Marshals Inspector Association (FFMIA) and our online FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE June 2017 10 Meetthe Fire Marshal Timothy L. Robles, Fire Marshal for City of Sanford Fire Department