Cal Fire mourns retired state fire marshal, with tribute planned in Elk Grove

A memorial tribute will be held Saturday morning in Elk Grove for retired California State Fire Marshal Ronny J. Coleman, who died earlier this month in Sacramento at 83.

The service is scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon at Herberger Funeral Chapel, 9101 Elk Grove Blvd.

Cal Fire announced on social media that Coleman passed away peacefully at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento on Sept. 21.

Coleman, appointed by Gov. Pete Wilson, served as state fire marshal from 1992 to 2000. In 60 years of fire service, Coleman became recognized and revered for his talents as a prolific writer, powerful speaker and skilled leader, Cal Fire officials said.

Daniel Berlant, the acting state fire marshal and deputy director of community wildfire preparedness and mitigation for Cal Fire, said in a statement to The Sacramento Bee that Coleman will always be remembered for his “dedication to his work and his unwavering commitment to the safety of our community.”

“Chief Coleman’s impact on our lives and the firefighting community was immeasurable, and we hope to come together to honor his memory and share stories that capture the essence of the remarkable person he was,” Berlant said.

Before his appointment as state fire marshal, Coleman served as fire chief for the cities of San Clemente and Fullerton. He was also the operation chief with the City of Costa Mesa Fire Department.

He also served as president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, directing a multitude of fire service committees and associations.

And he’s authored 19 books, most of them on the topic of fire protection services.

Coleman is survived by his wife Marie, son Chris Coleman, daughter Lisa Coleman and their families.

A funeral service for Coleman will be held Friday at Calvary South OC, a church in San Clemente.