Meet the Texas Capitol’s everyday guardian

Sergeant Warren Lay in the observation gallery of the House Chamber.

Capitol Fire Marshal Sergeant Warren Lay is a familiar presence at the Capitol Complex. If you ever visit, you might see him walking through the Texas Capitol building or the Bullock Texas State History Museum on his daily fire-safety inspections.

He oversees fire protection systems for the Capitol and 15 other buildings in the Capitol Complex. “I’ve always enjoyed the fire prevention side of the service,” he said.

During events and legislative sessions, Sgt. Lay works alongside Texas Department for Public Safety (DPS) officers to manage crowds. That includes setting up movable barriers to keep visitor lines organized and making sure exits and entrances remain clear.

The pace picks up when the Legislature is in session. The Senate and House of Representatives public observation galleries each hold about 500 people, but high-interest bills can draw crowds of 2,000 or more. Fortunately, Sgt. Lay thrives on interacting with visitors.

“I get to meet a lot of interesting people from all over the world,” he said.

His workload is never static. A walkie talkie on his desk broadcasts DPS radio traffic, keeping him tuned into what’s happening around the complex at all times.

Seasonal tasks add to the variety. During the holidays, he monitors water levels for the Capitol’s Christmas trees and, for the January 2026 freeze, he oversaw the draining of drum drip pipes for the parking garage fire sprinklers, ensuring there was no water in the pressurized pipes that could freeze.

“I get to spend a lot of time in basements and attics,” he says.

The role also demands flexibility. Late-night fire alarm calls are part of the job, and they’re something he got used to during his time as a firefighter.

A new chapter in service

A Lockhart, Texas, native, Sgt. Lay spent 23 years with the Lockhart Fire Department, rising from firefighter to captain and eventually fire marshal. After retiring from that role, he joined the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) in Austin.

“After 20 years on the big, red truck, I figured I ought to get off and try something new,” he said.

He has served with SFMO for seven years and became Capitol fire marshal in 2023 following the retirement of Sgt. John Nichols.

The position itself has historic roots. It was created after a devastating 1983 fire nearly destroyed the Capitol. In response, the 68th Legislature established the State Preservation Board (SPB) to preserve and maintain the historic building and other facilities in the Capitol Complex. SPB contracts the Capitol fire marshal role through SFMO.

The role is perfect for Sgt. Lay not only because of his fire service background but also his love of history. During recent work on the Capitol roof, he salvaged two pieces of wood from the original 1888 structure still held together by hand‑forged square nails.

For him, the Capitol Complex is more than a workplace — it’s a place he feels privileged to protect. Every inspection, late-night alarm, or conversation with a visitor reminds him why he chose this path.

Learn more

• Texas State Preservation Board
• Capitol Restoration and Expansion
• State Fire Marshal’s Office