Chief Ronny J. Coleman, FIFireE, State Fire Marshal (Ret.), passed away peacefully on September 19, 2023, in Sacramento. He is survived by his wife, Marie, his son, Chris Coleman (North Carolina), his daughter, Lisa Coleman (Colorado), and their families.
Chief Coleman was a 50-plus-year veteran of the fire service. Following his service and leadership as the fire chief in San Clemente, California, and the fire chief in Fullerton, California, he was appointed as California State Fire Marshal from 1992 to 2000 by Governor Pete Wilson. Coleman was a past president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), a life member of the Institution of Fire Engineers and has been a member and leader of numerous fire service committees and associations. He championed the California State Fire Training system both as the division chief and as the chair of the Statewide Training and Education Advisory Committee. He has authored more than 19 books and was influential within the fire protection industry as an advisor, leader, mentor, and friend.