The State Fire Marshal may employ a staff in accordance with the State budget. The full time investigative and inspection assistants in the office shall be known as deputy State fire marshals. Deputy State fire marshals shall meet the minimum qualifications and complete the training required by the Police Training and Standards Commission for a police officer. The qualification and training requirements of paragraph (2) of this subsection do not apply to the fire inspectors and fire investigators of the political subdivisions of the State. The State Fire Marshal may designate civilian employees to conduct inspections and submit reports as necessary. The minimum qualifications for a civilian employee shall be completion of the National Fire Protection Association Standard 1031.