Rockwall County names Steve Gutierrez as new fire marshal

Rockwall County has filled a newly created public-safety post with Steve A. Gutierrez as fire marshal, giving county leaders a veteran code-enforcement and emergency-management hand for the work that affects builders, businesses and public safety across a fast-growing county.

The county said Gutierrez will oversee the duties assigned to the Fire Marshal office in Development Services, including reviewing commercial building plans, inspecting firework stands, investigating fires, responding to hazmat incidents and other major emergencies, and conducting yearly fire-prevention checks on businesses. Those responsibilities fall under the International Fire Code of 2015 and local laws, placing the office at the center of day-to-day enforcement for developments and commercial properties.

Gutierrez brings more than 27 years of experience in fire prevention, emergency management and code enforcement. Before coming to Rockwall County, he served as fire marshal and emergency management coordinator for Forest Hill, Texas. He also spent more than 22 years with the City of Mansfield Fire Department, where he worked as a firefighter, lieutenant and EMS coordinator. County officials said he is a licensed Texas peace officer, has experience with IFC and NFPA standards and local ordinances, holds an associate degree in Fire Service Administration and Fire Protection Technology, and is working toward a bachelor’s degree in Fire and Emergency Services Administration from Texas A&M University-San Antonio.

The appointment also fills a position Rockwall County created in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, signaling that county leaders have formalized the fire marshal function as development pressure increases. The county paired the announcement with a photo of Rockwall County Commissioners Court and County Engineer Erika Bridges, underscoring official backing for the hire. For residents and businesses needing fire-code guidance or inspection matters, the office is at 1101 East Yellowjacket, Suite 130, Rockwall, Texas 75087, and the public phone number is 972-204-7600. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Gutierrez’s arrival gives Rockwall County a single point of accountability for the fire-risk issues that come with growth, from building plans and business inspections to fire investigations and emergency response.