A. The fire marshal may appoint a first assistant at a salary that he deems reasonable. The first assistant shall have the same qualifications as are required of the state fire marshal.
B. The fire marshal may also appoint such deputies, counsel, and other officers and employees as he thinks necessary for the proper performance of the duties imposed upon him by the provisions of this part. In these appointments, the fire marshal shall use the funds necessary for such purpose and available to him from the fire marshal fund in the state treasury and from appropriations made by the legislature.