Marin Fire Chief Honored As CA's Best

NOVATO, CA — Marin County's fire chief of more than a decade received a top state honor this month, earning the Fire Chief of the Year distinction from the California Fire Chiefs Association.

During their annual conference, the association honored Jason Weber with the Ronny Jack Coleman Award, acknowledging his nearly three decades of service to Marin County, his ability to adapt, collaborate and communicate, and the creation of the Fire Foundry program.

"This recognition is very nice, but I only accept it knowing it's the entire team that is being recognized," Weber said in a statement. "We have a Board of Supervisors that priorities public safety and supports our mission and 295 men and women who work 24-7 to protect our residents. It has and continues to be my honor to serve with all of the firefighters and chiefs in this county to deliver excellent services."

Weber, a longtime Novato resident, joined the Marin County Fire Department in 1995 and took over as chief in 2012 when he was just 36 years old. Before taking the helm, he served as a deputy chief, battalion chief, training officer and paramedic. Weber also earned a bachelor's degree in emergency services from California State University at Long Beach.

He is the first Marin County chief to earn the state honor since 2009.

In nominating the chief, Marin County Administrator Matthew Hymel noted Weber's work to launch the Marin Wildfire Protection Authority and create the FIRE Foundry youth program, along with his leadership during the county's pandemic response.

"Chief Weber has demonstrated extraordinary and selfless leadership over the past year to make our community safer and healthier," Hymel wrote. "Chief Weber is a leader and collaborator who brings all stakeholders together to make our county a more responsive government. After his nearly 28 years of service, I cannot imagine a more deserving individual for this prestigious honor."

The California Fire Chiefs Association recognizes outstanding members each year, with the top honor named after Ronny Jack Coleman, a former state fire marshal who is considered one of the most influential fire service leaders in the nation's history.