FAYETTEVILLE — The Washington County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday that Tyler McCartney was hired Aug. 27 as assistant fire marshal.

McCartney recently completed the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Part-Time II Officer Course and is scheduled to attend the National Fire Academy in Emmetsburg, Md., to study Fire Arson Origin and Cause Investigation.

The lifelong county resident replaced Laurie Roy Smith, who left in January.

The county’s budget has the position listed for a $36,626 annual salary.

McCartney grew up in Springdale and is a 2009 graduate of Har-Ber High School. He received an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science Administration and Technology degree in May from NorthWest Arkansas Community College.

McCartney said he’s always had a passion for investigating fires.

“I’ve also always liked CSI type of investigations,” he said. “I also like the firefighting side of it. “

McCartney has taught 1,738 students about fire safety this fall.

To view a video of him teaching students, visit the Washington County Sheriff’s Office YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/washingtoncosheriff.