The Southern Marin Fire Protection District named Heather Marques as its next fire chief on Thursday, Sept. 24, capping a months-long search.

Marques, a division chief of medical services for the Alameda County Fire Department, will take command Oct. 12, the district announced. She brings roughly 20 years of Bay Area fire-service experience to the district, which covers Sausalito, Mill Valley, Tamalpais Valley and part of Tiburon, among other Southern Marin communities, according to SMFD's district overview.

The hire caps a search that began publicly in March, when the board heard a presentation on the job description from recruiter Jean Bonander of Finesse the Future, according to the March 25 board agenda. The board continued discussing the appointment in closed session as recently as Aug. 26. Interim Fire Chief Tom Welch had been leading the district during the vacancy.

Marques started her career with the Emeryville Fire Department in 2006 and joined Alameda County Fire in 2012. She rose through the ranks from firefighter/paramedic to captain, battalion chief and division chief. Her operational background spans wildland and structural firefighting, hazardous materials, water rescue, confined-space rescue and advanced life support.

At Alameda County Fire, she oversees EMS operations for a department that responds to more than 48,000 calls a year. She also serves as a liaison officer with California Complex Incident Management Team 10 and as plans section chief with the East Bay Incident Management Team.

Board President Clifford Waldeck said in the district's announcement that Marques stood out during the recruitment process. "She demonstrated an understanding of the unique challenges facing Southern Marin and a leadership philosophy centered on integrity, collaboration, accountability, and service," Waldeck said.

Marques holds a master's degree in security studies from the Naval Postgraduate School, where her research focused on firefighter recruitment and retention. She earned her bachelor's degree in anthropology from UC Berkeley with honors and Phi Beta Kappa recognition, and completed her paramedicine training at Napa Valley College.

Marques has received the Meritorious Service Medal from the California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) for sustained leadership in emergency medical services.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the next Fire Chief of the Southern Marin Fire Protection District," Marques said in the announcement. "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."