Rick Wood Brings Extensive Experience To The New Role Aimed at Improving City Inspections Services and Systems
Keene, NH, April 9, 2024:
Keene’s Fire Department and Community Development Department work consistently to ensure our homes and businesses meet safety regulations. This week marks another step forward in keeping our community safe as we announce the addition of Rick Wood to the team to help streamline this vital service. Rick will serve as the City’s contract Fire Marshal and will supervise the Fire Prevention and Inspection Division of the Keene Fire Department and Community Development Department as a key member of the management team.
Mr. Wood brings valuable experience and knowledge to the table. He has a wealth of experience in fire and building code inspections and a strong commitment to community safety which will be helpful as he works to identify ways to improve collaboration and refine inspections processes. He has been a certified fire inspector since 1991 and has provided plan review training and code compliance consulting services since 1996. Rick is a nationally recognized instructor in Fire and Life Safety codes and building codes. He has reviewed and/or inspected more than 1,500 commercial construction projects of all shapes and sizes over the past thirty-two years in this field. He is an ICC certified Fire Marshall, ICC certified building official, Certified fire prevention specialist, certified fire plan reviewer, ICC certified fire alarm plan reviewer, ICC certified fire alarm inspector, ICC fire inspector, and ICC fire code specialist. He will be reviewing current fire and building permitting and inspections processes, interdepartmental procedures, and training opportunities as well as identifying steps we can take to enhance customer service so that people can experience a streamlined and efficient process for their projects going forward. Rick will also be creating an ongoing program to address blight issues.
In addition to his review of inspections processes, Mr. Wood will thoroughly review enforcement programs that are necessary to handle deficiencies and non-compliance issues - which is particularly important for community safety. He will also be engaging the community directly to learn about and make recommendations to improve customer experience in interacting with the City and receiving their needed services.
Ultimately, the goal of this Fire Marshal position is to reduce risk, improve customer service, and ensure the safety of Keene citizens and visitors. Elizabeth Dragon, City Manager, is excited to move this process forward. “We have excellent employees here who have long been devoted to keeping people safe in Keene’s buildings. Rick Wood’s involvement in helping us to improve our processes for the good of the community is an important next step, and I am glad to have his assistance.”
The Fire Department and Community Development Department remain committed to providing exceptional service. Please contact the City with any questions.
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(603) 357-9804