Chief Heather Marques, Division Chief of Medical Services for an East Bay fire department in California, was honored with the Meritorious Service Medal during the 2025 California EMS Awards ceremony held June 2 in St. Helena.
The award was presented by Alameda County Medical Director Dr. Zina Konik and recognizes Marques’ contributions to emergency medical services, leadership within the fire service, and continued commitment to serving communities across California.
Marques oversees medical operations for an all-risk fire department that serves more than 500 square miles and responds to approximately 48,000 calls annually. In her role, she manages medical operations, training and certification programs, special events, and tactical medicine teams while supporting emergency response capabilities throughout the region.
Following the award presentation, Marques acknowledged the colleagues and professional networks that have supported her work throughout her career.
“Last night, I was deeply honored to receive the State of California Meritorious Service Award. I extend thanks to my team and colleagues who work tirelessly by my side to advance our profession as firefighters.”
“Thanks to my cohort at Naval Postgraduate School for extending your generous support and ongoing talents as we water the seeds we planted in school.”
A Nationally Registered Paramedic, Marques brings extensive operational and instructional experience to the fire and EMS professions. Her qualifications include hazardous materials response, confined space rescue, water rescue operations, and fire academy instruction. She also teaches paramedic-level courses and serves as a certified instructor, lead skills evaluator, and Certified Chief Officer through the California State Fire Marshal.
In addition to her operational responsibilities, Marques has contributed to research and professional development within the emergency services community. She earned a master’s degree in Security Studies from the Center for Homeland Defense and Security at the Naval Postgraduate School, where her graduate research focused on the recruitment and retention of women firefighters. She has also published work on human trafficking awareness and reporting protocols and developed a statewide training module to support human trafficking education within the California fire service.
Marques remains active in several professional organizations, including the California State Firefighters’ Association, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and Women in the Fire Service. She currently serves as vice president of the Alameda County Fire Chiefs EMS Section, treasurer of the Nor-Cal Cal Chiefs EMS Section, and chair of the California State Firefighters’ Association Strategic Planning Committee.
Throughout her career, Marques has been a frequent speaker at fire service, emergency management, and homeland security events, including programs at the National Fire Academy and conferences across the United States. The Meritorious Service Medal recognizes a career that has combined frontline emergency response, EMS leadership, education, and service to the broader public safety community.