Name: Todd Griffin
Title: University Fire Marshal

Background: From West Columbia; 1989 graduate of Brookland-Cayce High School; previously held positions with the University Post Office, Central Supply, and Environmental Health and Safety, where he was a hazardous materials technician and fire inspector. Named fire marshal in 2006. Married to Val Griffin, an administrative assistant in the College of Pharmacy.

Describe your job. We are responsible for all aspects of fire safety on the Columbia campus and also assist the system campuses. We enforce fire code through building inspections, are responsible for fire drills, fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, fire pumps, fire extinguishers, and fire safety education classes. We also serve as a liaison to local and state authorities, and work fire watches for special events after hours such as some athletic contests, concerts, and other activities in accordance with city statutes and University policy.

What are the goals of your office? Fire prevention and fire safety education for all faculty, staff, and students, especially the resident students. We're trying to make our buildings as safe as we can through our training by identifying hazards that the University community may not be aware of, then eliminating those hazards.

What's the best part of your job? Identifying a problem and then correcting it, knowing we've made a difference in preventing a potentially hazardous situation.

What's the least favorite part? Telling people they can no longer do something they've been doing in order to come into compliance with fire code. Fortunately, this doesn't happen very often, and when we explain that we're helping protect people they usually understand.

What's the biggest misperception about your job that you think people might have? People don't realize the hours that we put in. We're on call 24 hours a day to assist the University police if they come across a situation that requires knowledge of fire safety or hazardous materials.

If somebody has a question about fire safety, can they call your office? Yes. The number is 777-5269. We offer fire safety classes and tailor the training to the occupants of the particular buildings they are working or living in. Among other things, we identify potential escape routes and hazards within buildings. We stress getting to stairways and using them because they are rated egress corridors that provide fire and smoke barriers for occupants to get out and the fire department to get into a building.

What do you do to unwind during your spare time? I'm a huge NASCAR fan. I also enjoy hunting and fishing, and spending time with my family and my church, Brookland United Methodist Church.

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