DENVER — The Denver Fire Department has a new interim chief after its previous chief stepped down from his position in the wake of an incident at an event for retiring firefighters.
On Monday, the Denver Department of Public Safety announced that Deputy Chief Todd A. Bower will serve as interim fire chief of the fire department beginning that day.
Former Denver Fire Department Chief Eric C. Tade announced that we was stepping down from the position in late February after inappropriate comments were made during the opening of the Denver Firefighters Local 858 and Protective Associations' Firefighters Annual Ball, Retiree Banquet and Awards Ceremony. He had served as chief for nine years.
The new interim chief, Bower, was originally hired as a Denver firefighter in 1993 and has worked up the ranks through the years. He has served as the fire department's deputy chief since 2010. In that position, he oversaw strategic planning and management of the fire department six divisions: operations, fire prevention, technical services, administration and investigations, safety and training, and airport fire and rescue.
He's also the president of the Colorado State Fire Chiefs — Metro Chief section and served for three terms as the chairman of the Denver Firefighters Local 858’s Collective Bargaining Committee.
“It’s been an honor to serve the people of Denver and the dedicated members of the Denver Fire Department for nearly 27 years and I am humbled to serve in an even greater way as interim Fire Chief,” Bower said. “As a Colorado native with deep family roots in both the community and department, I am committed to the continued enhancement of department innovations, workforce diversity, and fire prevention education.”
