Norm Golden, the newly appointed Valley Regional Fire Authority fire marshal, began his duties Jan. 1.

Golden was promoted to the position of fire marshal after an extensive testing and interview process. His two decades of experience as a firefighter and captain, combined with his extensive educational background and professional certifications, make him uniquely qualified for the position.

“Norm possesses a strong work ethic and has proven to be a very innovative thinker,” said VRFA Administrator Eric Robertson. “I look forward to his leadership and continued development of a critical unit in our organization.”

Golden is looking forward to the challenge.

“My immediate goal is to work with the other divisions within the organization to continue the VRFA’s strong commitment to customer service,” he said. “I want to focus on building relationships with the local businesses and gaining voluntary code compliance in lieu of resorting to enforcement action.”

Golden was hired as a firefighter by the legacy Auburn Fire Department on Oct. 1, 1992, and was promoted to captain in 1999. He served as a shift fire investigator for several years, has been a certified fire inspector, and spent a considerable portion of his fire service career involved with emergency medical services.

Golden earned a professional master of business administration degree and Juris doctorate degree from Seattle University.