Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced two gubernatorial appointments to leadership positions within the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Clayton Farr Jr., of Howardville, was appointed as the Missouri State Fire Marshal.
Chief Farr served as the fire chief for the city of Columbia before retiring in 2024, concluding a nearly 32-year career in the fire service. He is a licensed Missouri emergency medical technician and has held or currently holds certifications as a Missouri fire inspector, instructor, and investigator, and Missouri hazardous materials technician. He is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the National Fire Protection Association. Farr graduated from New Madrid County Central High School.
“Chief Farr has a superb management record and broad experience across the fire service, starting as a firefighter and working his way up through the chain-of-command to lieutenant of emergency services division, battalion chief, division chief, fire marshal, assistant chief, and chief of a large and growing department with almost 200 team members and a $34 million budget,” said Governor Kehoe. “His responsibilities have included code enforcement, fire investigations, fireworks and explosives enforcement, firefighter training, and fire safety public education. He brings the skillset, collaborative spirit, and practical experience that will guide the Division of Fire Safety team into the future.”
Christin H. Templeton, of California, was appointed as the State Supervisor of the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC).
Ms. Templeton is currently the acting state supervisor and chief of enforcement for the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control. She holds a Missouri Class A peace officer license and is a member of the National Liquor Law Enforcement Association and the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators. Templeton holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Lincoln University.
“Christin Templeton has risen through the ranks with years of experience as an agent, agent supervisor, deputy state supervisor, and acting state supervisor of the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control. She has displayed steady leadership, skillful management, and a commitment to working and communicating well with ATC’s many stakeholders, on what are sometimes complex licensing issues,” said Governor Kehoe. “Christin has done an excellent job supporting the ATC team and fostering a collaborative environment across the central and regional offices, earning the trust and respect of the organization as well as the Department of Public Safety Director’s Office.”
The Missouri Department of Public Safety is comprised of eight divisions committed to service, safety, and security for Missourians, including the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control and the Division of Fire Safety.
“These appointments of proven, effective public safety leaders with established records of decisiveness and integrity round out our outstanding Department of Public Safety leadership team, where collaboration and working closely with our local partners is a top priority,” said DPS Director Mark James. “We look forward to welcoming Chief Farr to the Division of Fire Safety and congratulate Christin on her well-deserved appointment as ATC state supervisor.”
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