Cody Cripe has served as Fire Marshal Since October of 2018. Prior to becoming Fire Marshal, he served as a Captain for five years. During his career Fire Marshal Cripe has served on various teams and capacities inside and outside of the Fire Department, including Fire Department Apparatus Supervisor, Fire Department Training Officer, member of Michigan Technical Rescue Team 5, and the St. Joseph County Multi-Jurisdictional Special Response Team. Cripe is a member of the International Association of Arson Investigators and currently holds the Fire Investigation Technician Certification. He is also a Certified Fire Inspector through the National Fire Protection Association.
Fire Marshal Bureau
The Sturgis Public Safety Fire Marshal is responsible for educating and inspecting local business to ensure their compliance with local and state fire codes. The Fire Marshal works closely with City building and zoning officials conducting plan reviews for commercial construction projects and business development projects. In addition the Fire Marshal is responsible for all cause and origin investigations of fires occurring within the City of Sturgis.
In addition to inspection and plan reviews the Fire Marshal works with local business to establish and review work place emergency plans and responses to ensure the highest level of employee safety. This process may include pre-planning of fire responses to high-hazard locations in an effort to mitigate risk during an emergency.
The Fire Marshal conducts business inspections on a yearly or bi-annual basis in accordance with the international fire code. Local business may contact the Fire Marshal Bureau with questions or to request an inspection ahead of the normal schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fire inspection and what are its goals?
A fire inspection is an inspection of your business/commercial building to determine its compliance with the applicable Fire and Life Safety Codes. The goal of the inspection is to reduce the risk of fire and remove any conditions deemed to be unsafe.
What things does the inspector look for?
In general the inspector will be looking at the following:
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Fire Protection Systems, Sprinkler System, Alarms, Fire Extinguishers
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Exits and Egresses
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Electrical Hazards
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Building features such as fire walls, barriers and fire doors.
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Hazardous material storage
What happens if a violation is found?
Our number one goal is compliance and the life, health and safety of people frequenting your business/building. If a violation is found you will be given time to remedy the issue without fine or penalty; the amount of time will depend upon the severity of the violation. If necessary repairs are not completed in a timely fashion and multiple re-inspections are required you will billed in accordance with the city fee structure. There is no fee for the initial inspection or initial re-inspection.
How long does an inspection take?
The length of time an inspection will take is dependent upon your building size and use. Typically a fire inspection takes anywhere between 30 minute and 1 hour.