Governor Kehoe Appoints Clayton Farr Fire Marshal
The former Columbia fire chief will now lead the Missouri Division of Fire Safety following his recent appointment.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in People
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Governor Mike Kehoe has appointed retired Columbia Fire Department Chief Clayton Farr to serve as the new Missouri State Fire Marshal. Farr succeeds Tim Bean, who resigned from the state position in June 2026.
Why it matters
The appointment fills a key leadership vacancy within the state’s emergency services infrastructure, placing an experienced veteran in charge of the Division of Fire Safety. The position is essential for overseeing state fire prevention and investigation efforts.
During his tenure in Columbia, Farr managed a department with a $34 million budget and 200 team members. He brings extensive certifications, including status as a Missouri emergency medical technician and a hazardous materials technician.
The players
Clayton Farr
He is the newly appointed Missouri State Fire Marshal and the former long-time chief of the Columbia Fire Department.
Mike Kehoe
He is the Governor of Missouri who issued the formal appointment for the state fire marshal position.
Tim Bean
He is the former Missouri State Fire Marshal who vacated the position earlier this year.
The details
Farr retired from the Columbia Fire Department in 2024 after a long career in public safety. He holds multiple professional designations, including certifications as a fire inspector, instructor, and investigator, and maintains memberships in the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the National Fire Protection Association.
Timeline
Farr retired from the Columbia Fire Department in 2024.
Tim Bean resigned from his post as Missouri State Fire Marshal in June 2026.
Governor Mike Kehoe announced the appointment of Clayton Farr on October 22, 2026.
Market Landscape
The appointment brings a veteran operational leader to the Missouri Division of Fire Safety to manage the state's fire prevention mandates. This transition aims to stabilize agency leadership following the departure of the previous administration.
The transition ensures that the Division of Fire Safety remains fully staffed, maintaining oversight of local fire inspection standards and investigator training programs across the state. Residents can expect continued adherence to fire safety protocols under the new marshal's leadership.
The takeaway
Clayton Farr brings years of experience managing large-scale municipal fire departments to his new role as the state's top fire official. His diverse background as an investigator and medical technician suggests a continued focus on comprehensive emergency response standards.
Further reading
For more information on appointments within the state, visit the Missouri People section.
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