Serving as the designated fire official for the jurisdiction, the Fire Marshal plans, organizes, develops, and provides oversight of programs in the Fire Marshal's Office of Bedford County Fire and Rescue, including fire inspection, plan reviews, fire investigation, public education, review of fire protection systems, handles citizen inquiries, issue fire code operational permits, investigate environmental crimes within the county and other Community Risk Reduction (CRR) programs.

The Fire Marshal performs and manages a variety of administrative, technical, and managerial tasks related to CRR utilizing sound fiscal management practices and is responsible for enforcement of applicable county, state, and federal fire codes and regulations. This position is also a sworn Law Enforcement position which includes enforcing laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia as well as the local ordinances of Bedford County. The Fire Marshal also reviews and approves all fire investigation reports, prepares court documents, procures and serves warrants and testifies in criminal court cases.