Lloyd Nakano appointed as State Fire Marshal

WASILLA — Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell recently appointed Lloyd Nakano as the new State Fire Marshal and Director of the Division of Fire and Life Safety.

According to a recent press release, Nakano has been with the Department of Public Safety since September 2005, and he's served as the Assistant State Fire Marshal since December 2012.

“The Division of Fire and Life Safety serves a critical mission across urban and rural Alaska by investigating fatal structure fires, reviewing commercial building plans, and providing firefighter education across the state,” Cockrell stated in the press release. “I know Lloyd will continue to deliver the excellence, customer service, and emergency response capabilities that the State Fire Marshal’s Office is known for.”

According to the press release, Nakano has an associate degree in Fire Science as well as seven fire safety certifications.

Nakano began serving the state as Deputy Fire Marshal in 2005, and he was promoted to Deputy Fire Marshal II in 2007.

Nakano started helping lead the State Fire Marshal’s Office as the Assistant State Fire Marshal in 2012. He's served as the Acting State Fire Marshal since August 2022.

“I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to lead the Division of Fire and Life Safety and to support the amazing men and women who drive this mission across the state every day," Nakano stated in the press release. “As Fire and Life Safety begins its 69th year of service to Alaska, I know our division will help protect Alaskans by continuing our efforts to prevent the loss of life and property from fire and explosion.”

According to the press release, the Fire and Life Safety division has 29 staff members.

Nakano's new position as the State Fire Marshal is effective February 7, 2023.