UPDATE 2/26/2026:

Nevada Department of Public Safety/State Police has fired Joseph Rodriguez as Nevada State Fire Marshal.

Mr. Rodriguez has also been placed on administrative suspension pending the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office investigation and an internal administrative review.

In a press release Nevada State Police said quote

"During this transition, the State Fire Marshal Division will temporarily operate under the oversight of the DPS/ State Police Investigation Division."

and "As this is a personnel matter, the Department will not provide further comment." end quote.

ORIGINAL STORY 2/23/2026

Nevada State Fire Marshal Joseph Rodriguez faces a suspected DUI charge after being arrested on Saturday. 

Washoe County deputies say he was arrested just before 3:15 a.m. and then released from the Washoe County Jail later that same day. 

Our sister station in Las Vegas reports that a source with knowledge of the investigation says Rodriguez was arrested on Pyramid Highway after a crash involving a state vehicle.

Rodriguez also serves on the Sparks City Council.

In response, the City of Sparks sent us this statement: 

"The City is aware of the arrest and will not be commenting on an active investigation."

Rodriguez was appointed state fire marshal last September after the previous one retired. He also served more than 11 years in the Nevada National Guard.

The Department of Public Safety released this statement:

"The Nevada State Police is aware of the incident involving Joseph Rodriguez. The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation. 

"There is an internal investigation ongoing, and Rodriguez is currently suspended from the agency during this process."