|
After an exceptional 17-year tenure as Fire Chief of the Grand Junction Fire Department, Chief Ken Watkins has retired from the department and is stepping into a new leadership role as Executive Director of the Colorado State Fire Chiefs (CSFC). His retirement marks the end of a remarkable career that saw unprecedented growth in personnel, fire stations, and call volume for the Grand Junction Fire Department.
Prior to his leadership in Grand Junction, Chief Watkins served 25 years with the Westminster Fire Department, where he rose through the ranks from Firefighter to Deputy Chief. During his time with the Grand Junction Fire Department, Chief Watkins was instrumental in the department’s transformation, guiding it through a period of tremendous expansion and helping to establish new benchmarks for operational excellence.
In addition to his leadership in Grand Junction, Chief Watkins has played an influential role in fire service leadership statewide. He previously served as a Commissioner on the Colorado Fire Commission and as the Fire Chief Section Chair for the Colorado Municipal League. His career includes leadership roles as the past president of the Missouri Valley Division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the Colorado State Fire Chiefs, and the Mesa County Fire Chief’s Association.
Chief Watkins holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Colorado and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program. He is also credentialed as a Chief Fire Officer through the Center for Public Safety Excellence. Watkins has shown deep commitment to his community, holding leadership positions with a local nonprofit and in the Rotary Club.
Watkins has had a long-standing and collaborative relationship with the Colorado State Fire Chiefs, attending nearly all Fire Leadership Challenge conferences and serving on its Board of Directors for eight years. In fact, his longstanding participation in CSFC, including the Executive Board, made him an ideal successor to follow Garry Briese who had served in the role for over 11 years before retiring in January.
As he transitions to his new role as Executive Director, Chief Watkins is excited to continue serving the Colorado fire service and supporting the organization’s mission to strengthen fire service leadership across the state. “I’ve had the honor of serving alongside many dedicated professionals throughout my career, and I’m excited to continue to contribute to the fire service in this new capacity with the Colorado State Fire Chiefs,” said Chief Watkins. “I’m proud of what we accomplished at the Grand Junction Fire Department and look forward to supporting fire departments across Colorado in this next chapter of my career.”
Brad White, Fire Chief of Grand Fire Protection District and President of the Colorado State Fire Chiefs, shared his enthusiasm for Chief Watkins’ new role:
“Ken’s leadership has been a beacon for fire service professionals not only in Grand Junction but across Colorado. His commitment to excellence, his experience in tackling the challenges facing our communities, his involvement with CSFC and it's Executive Board, and his ability to inspire those around him make him the ideal person to lead the Colorado State Fire Chiefs.”
Chief Watkins’ leadership, vision, and dedication to the fire service have left an indelible mark on the Grand Junction community and the broader Colorado fire service. His transition into his new role marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter as he continues to advocate for and advance fire service leadership across the state.
| 
