Denver Fire Department Recognizes 18 Members During Promotion Ceremony

Denver - Today, the Denver Fire Department (DFD) celebrated the promotion of 18 firefighters, recognizing their professional achievements and nearly 200 years of combined service.

The ceremony honored one assistant chief, four captains, nine lieutenants, and four engineers. Each earned their promotion through a competitive process requiring extensive preparation and testing.

During Friday's ceremony, Denver Fire Chief Desmond Fulton congratulated the promoted members and emphasized their responsibilities to shape and support future firefighters.

"Developing the next generation of leaders is one of our most important duties," said Chief Fulton. "Strong leadership starts with investing in our people, recognizing their potential, and giving them the tools to succeed. While we cannot predict every challenge our firefighters will face, we can make sure they have the training to meet those challenges with confidence."

"These promotions represent months of hard work and sacrifice," said Al Gardner II, the Executive Director of Denver's Department of Public Safety. "The true significance of a promotion is found in what a person chooses to do with the responsibility they've earned. These 18 firefighters have now committed themselves to leading others, strengthening the department, and helping to ensure Denver remains a safe place to live."

The following members were recognized:

Assistant Chief:

• Brac Heiss

Captains:

• Brian Champlin
• Dylan Jeffries
• Derrick Johnson
• Lane Walter

Lieutenants:

• Bryan Cash
• Olivia Covey
• Craig Erie
• Corey Frint
• Rafael "Tony" Gutierrez
• James Pettersen
• Brandon Phelan
• Peter Slinden
• Ryan Winter

Engineers:

• Taylor Balding
• Anthony Hernandez
• Jordan Le Van
• Bradford Stone

Friday's ceremony brought together DFD command staff, colleagues, friends, and family members to recognize the promoted firefighters and their contributions to the City and County of Denver.

These promotions support Denver Fire's ongoing commitment of developing strong leaders, maintaining firefighter safety, and delivering exceptional emergency services.

Photos from Friday's event can be used with credit to the Denver Department of Public Safety.

The Department of Public Safety also recognize Denver Sheriff Elias Diggins and Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas who attended Friday's event.