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Senate committee advances Dwayne Helmberger nomination to State Fire Marshal Commission
Summary
The committee advanced the nomination of Dwayne Helmberger to the State Fire Marshal Commission. Helmberger, a current Stillwater fire chief and owner of Heritage Fire Consultants LLC, told senators certificates of occupancy are required for marijuana grow facilities and that inspection backlogs stem from a recent licensing surge.
The Oklahoma Senate Committee on Retirement and Governmental Affairs voted to advance Dwayne Helmberger’s gubernatorial nomination to the full Senate.
Senator Hall introduced Helmberger as an experienced fire chief currently at Stillwater and formerly in Midwest City, and noted his private work with Heritage Fire Consultants LLC and teaching at OSU‑OKC. Helmberger told the committee he has worked with business owners and development projects and prefers an administrative approach to code work rather than an enforcement‑first posture.
Senator Stewart asked whether marijuana grow operations require certificates of occupancy and whether inspections could be sped up. Helmberger said "certificate of occupancies are needed from currently the state fire marshal's office," acknowledged a backlog resulting from the rapid licensing surge, and recommended better interagency coordination, consistent plan review and attention to LP‑gas administration to reduce delays.
After brief closing remarks and a motion to advance the nomination, the clerk called the roll. The committee recorded nine ayes and zero nays. The nomination moves to the full Senate for consideration.
The committee did not take final floor action; the full Senate must still confirm the nominee.
