Gov. Nikki Haley Appoints Robert Polk As S.C. State Fire Marshal

COLUMBIA, SC – Governor Nikki Haley has announced Robert “Bert” Polk as the next State Fire Marshal. Polk has more than 40 years of experience in fire and emergency services, and has most recently served as the Fire Chief for the Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue District in Florida. Currently a resident of Columbia, S.C., Polk previously served as South Carolina’s Fire Marshal under Governor Jim Hodges from 2000 to 2003.

“With over 40 years of fire service experience, Bert Polk is the right person to step in and continue the great work Chief Ray has been doing for our state,” said Gov. Nikki Haley. “His expertise will bring the right balance of common sense and knowledge of the necessary safety precautions to the position – two things that will serve the citizens and businesses of South Carolina extremely well.”

Polk has degrees in Fire Administration and Management, has attended the Executive Fire Officer Program through the National Fire Academy, and is recognized by the National Fire Protection Association as a Certified Fire Protection Specialist.

“I would like to thank Governor Haley for the opportunity to continue the initiatives in place and to work with the state’s fire service, as well as other state agencies, to enhance Fire and Life Safety in South Carolina,” said Bert Polk. “I look forward to working cooperatively so that we can be successful in our efforts towards providing a safe environment to live, work, and play.”

“Bert comes to us with over 40 years of fire service experience in both the public and private sector. Over the last several years, the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Division of Fire and Life Safety, has done an outstanding job partnering with our stakeholders, more creatively delivering services to the fire service, and balancing public safety and a pro-business environment,” said Holly Pisarik, Director of the S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. “I am excited that Bert is joining us to continue this work.”

“Bert Polk is a familiar figure to the fire service of South Carolina and has a proven commitment that can only strengthen the mission of safety and protection for our firefighters, citizens, and business community,” said Joey Palmer, Executive Director of the S.C. State Firefighters’ Association. “Bert is a great family man, a Fire Chief, and a communicator. He is a facilitator who will continue to build upon the environment that our governor and the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation have worked fervently in fostering. Bert will be a great team member to continue the cooperation that our citizens and firefighters enjoy.”

“We look forward to working with Chief Polk,” said Mark Nix, Executive Director at the Home Builders Association of South Carolina. “He is a professional, and the State of South Carolina is fortunate to have a State Fire Marshal with his experience and expertise.”