Personnel note: Ed Paulk retires, Scott Pilgreen named State Fire Marshal

A new Alabama fire marshal was named Friday morning as veteran Marshal Ed Paulk retired after nearly 40 years of public service.

Scott Pilgreen, was tapped to replace Paulk by Alabama Insurance Commissioner Jim Ridling. A 32-year law enforcement veteran, Pilgreen has served 27 years in the State Fire Marshal’s office, the past 10 as assistant fire marshal.

“I am pleased to name Scott Pilgreen as Alabama’s new state fire marshal,” Ridling said in a news release. “Scott is an outstanding law enforcement professional and he will do an excellent job for the people of Alabama.”

Ridling continued, “Scott’s background and training fits perfectly for this position. He has served side-by-side with outgoing State Fire Marshal Ed Paulk for the last 10 years. He is well respected by law enforcement across the state and around the nation.”

Paulk formally retired at an event today at Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery after nearly 40 years of public service, including 32 with the State Fire Marshal’s office, 10 of them as the state fire marshal.

“There is simply no way to properly express to Ed Paulk my deep appreciation for his many years of outstanding service to the people of Alabama,” Ridling said of Paulk’s retirement. “Ed possesses a rare combination of vision, fairness, and a deep understanding of the law and regulations of his office — crucial qualities for an effective manager.”

Pilgreen will officially take his new position Monday, Aug. 1.

“I look forward to working with Scott in this new role and I know that all Alabama citizens will have reason to feel safe with Scott Pilgreen as the state fire marshal,” Ridling concluded.