Grand Junction Fire Department Fire Chief Ken Watkins Retirement
Grand Junction Fire Department Chief Ken Watkins has announced his retirement effective January 3, 2025. Chief Watkins has served the community with a celebrated 17-year tenure at GJFD and nearly 45 years of public service. Chief Watkins has been a cornerstone of the department, leading it with dedication and excellence.
Celebrating Chief Ken Watkins’ Legacy
Chief Ken Watkins has served as the Fire Chief of GJFD since May 2007, following a remarkable 25-year career with the Westminster Fire Department moving up the ranks as Firefighter, Paramedic, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, Training Chief, Deputy Chief, and early service as a Military Police Officer in the United States Army. His nearly 43 years of progressive experience in fire and EMS leadership have left an indelible mark on our community.
Under Chief Watkins’ leadership, the Grand Junction Fire Department has made significant strides. The department successfully assumed ambulance services, enhancing its ability to provide comprehensive emergency medical care. Firefighter health and safety has been a hallmark under Chief Watkins' leadership, with the department joining the Colorado Firefighter Heart, Cancer, and Behavior Health Trust and creating other initiatives to keep our employees safe and healthy. Long-term planning and infrastructure improvements have been a cornerstone of his tenure including fire apparatus and ambulance replacement plans, completion of the downtown public safety complex, relocation of fire station 4, and rebuilding of fire station 3. Chief Watkins was a key leader in the passage of the first responder tax, which facilitated the construction and staffing of three new additional fire stations—an initiative that greatly expanded the department’s service capabilities and response times.
Additionally, Chief Watkins guided GJFD through the rigorous process of obtaining accreditation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE), a testament to the department’s commitment to professionalism and continuous improvement. His visionary leadership improved operational efficiency and set a high standard for excellence in public safety services.
Chief Watkins’ career is further distinguished by his service on the Colorado State Fire Commission, as a past board chair for Hilltop Community Resources, and as a past president of the Horizon Sunrise Rotary. His extensive involvement in professional boards and affiliations, including the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the Colorado State Fire Chiefs, and the Mesa County Fire Chief’s Association, highlight his dedication to advancing the fire service profession. His numerous awards, including the Governor’s 100 Award and the Career Achievement Award underscore his impactful contributions to the field.
With Chief Watkins’ retirement, the City of Grand Junction completed a national search to select his replacement. This critical role requires a dynamic leader to manage and direct all activities of the Fire Department, including fire suppression, fire prevention, hazardous materials management, and emergency medical services. The department is pleased to announce that Grand Junction Deputy Chief Gus Hendricks has been selected to serve as interim fire chief beginning December 22, 2024.