The Scott County Fiscal Court on July 11 approved the promotion of Josh Cromer to the county’s first Fire Marshal. Court members and Fire Chief Ward described Cromer’s experience: he has been with the department since August 2018, was promoted to lieutenant in 2023, and previously served seven years with Lexington Police Department. Court materials state Cromer has completed the required certifications and will begin the new post at the start of the next pay period, July 19, at an annual salary of $75,046.

Fire Chief Ward and magistrates praised the role as a shift toward more proactive prevention, investigations and code enforcement that should improve public safety and business oversight. The court moved and seconded the promotion and approved it by voice vote.