CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Fire Department announced its selection of Joe Morelli as its next fire marshal.
“I am pleased to have Joe Morelli join our department as fire marshal,” Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said. “He brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and familiarity with Ventura County to this role, which leads our efforts to keep people safe by reducing the risk of fire in our community, commercial buildings, and homes.”
As fire marshal, Morelli will oversee department staff responsible for enforcing fire codes and regulations, conducting construction plan reviews, conducting home and business inspections, obtaining fire code permits, and administering the nationally recognized fire hazard reduction program.
“I am passionate about implementing community risk reduction programs and excited to be part of fulfilling Ventura County Fire Department’s broad mission of anticipating and responding to the dynamic public safety needs of a diverse community,” Morelli said.
Morelli began his career in 1999 as a firefighter, his first two years with the Forest Service and then with the City of Glendale. After six years as a firefighter, he joined fire prevention ranks, serving in inspection, plan check, and management positions.
Morelli served as assistant fire marshal for Huntington Beach, fire marshal for Ventura City, and deputy fire marshal for Pasadena.
Morelli holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in organizational management from the Master’s College. He is a Center for Public Safety Excellence-accredited fire marshal, a California-certified fire marshal, and an International Code Council-certified fire plans examiner.
For the last five years, Morelli has served on the NFPA Fire Prevention Organization and Deployment Committee, Factory Mutual Fire Service Advisory Group, Southern California Fire Prevention Officer’s Association Board of Directors, and most recently as co-chair of the So Cal FPO Community Risk Reduction Committee.
Morelli is a Ventura County Leadership Academy graduate who believes in its mission of connecting people and issues to strengthen our county.
At home, Joe enjoys time with his wife and four children. He also serves the community as a troop master with Trail Life USA, an outdoor adventure, character, and youth leadership development program.