Gary Marrs was first elected to represent Ward 1 in a Special Primary Election in 2004, and reelected to a full term in 2005.

Marrs was a third-generation firefighter, born and raised in Oklahoma City, who was named Fire Chief in 1993.

Chief Marrs was instrumental in the formation of the Special Operations work section, which encompasses the hazardous materials unit, the water rescue team, and the technical rescue team. He also created a separate Emergency Medical Services work section and has led the charge in the implementation of the Oklahoma City Fire Department providing paramedic level advanced life support to the citizens. Under his leadership, firefighters became more involved in the neighborhoods, often hosting or attending neighborhood watch meetings, going door to door distributing smoke alarms in the community, and even reading to school children and holding elementary school reading contests.

He served as the incident commander of the Murrah bombing rescue and recovery, and also led the Fire Department in the wake of the 1999 tornado.

Marrs retired from the Fire Department in 2002, and served as Assistant to the Mayor for a year following that.

He holds degrees in Fire Protection Technology and Municipal Fire Protection from Oklahoma State University. He is also a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer program at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. He has been an adjunct instructor for the National Fire Academy, Oklahoma Fire Service Training, and Oklahoma State University.

Marrs is active in The American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma, YMCA, Oklahoma City National Memorial Trust, Leadership OKC, and the Youth Leadership Exchange.

Marrs is an Air Force Vietnam veteran.

He and his wife Judy have a daughter and two granddaughters.

High-resolution photos of Gary Marrs and other City Council members are available here.