Maplewood names new fire chief: press release

After an extensive national recruitment process, Peter C. Marsac has been appointed as Maplewood’s new Fire Chief. Marsac was serving as the Interim Fire Chief following the retirement of Terry Merrell in July of 2021. He will oversee the Fire Department’s $3.3 million budget and 20 employees.

Marsac has worked with the City’s Fire Department for 22 years, where he has served in various leadership positions since 2000 when he was hired as a firefighter/paramedic. In his most recent position as the Assistant Chief, he was responsible for the department’s daily operations, special operations, and public relations. Prior to Maplewood, Marsac spent thirteen years with Abbott EMS as an EMS Paramedic and shift supervisor.

Maplewood City Manager Michael Reese narrowed the applicant pool to four finalists and formed a community panel to participate in the interview process. The panel included Maplewood resident Nicole Rainey, Brentwood City Manager Bola Akande, Richmond Heights City Manager Amy Hamilton and Maplewood Finance Director Lexie Miller.

“Chief Marsac is committed to innovation and change with a focus on community engagement, effective training programs, fiscally responsible equipment replacement policies and collaboration with fire departments in the region. He is the right leader for the future of the Maplewood Fire Department,” City Manager Michael Reese said.

Marsac received a Bachelor’s degree from Southern University of Illinois Carbondale in Public Safety Management and an Associate Degree in Fire Science from St. Louis Community College – Forest Park. He also holds state certifications as a Fire Investigator, Fire Instructor, Paramedic, Incident Safety Officer, FF I, FF II, and Haz-mat Technician.