Meet New Salida Fire Chief Aaron Jonke
I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce myself as the new Fire Chief of Salida. Firefighting has been in my blood since I started volunteering at 18. After that, I spent 31 incredible years with the Denver Fire Department, where I learned the importance of keeping our communities safe. It was truly an honor to serve in the busiest firehouses in Denver and advocate for my fellow firefighters. Whether I was leading as a fire officer, driving the fire truck, or riding on the back step, there is no other career that compares. The best part? My passion for firefighting runs in the family – I'm a second-generation firefighter, and my son is even looking to follow in our footsteps after seeing how much we love it!
In my first year as Fire Chief, my top priority is taking care of our firefighters – they're the true heroes who respond to emergencies, from medical calls to hazardous materials and technical rescues. Firefighters are the department's biggest asset. They put their lives on the line for all of us, and I want to make sure they have the training and equipment they need to stay safe and tackle any situation. I'm also passionate about streamlining our processes, both for emergencies and everyday tasks, so we can operate at the highest level possible.
The Salida Fire Department is more than just fire trucks and hoses. We're woven into the fabric of this community. Our firefighters go above and beyond to connect with the people we serve, especially working with kids in schools and being positive role models. One of the most rewarding parts of the job is seeing their faces light up!
My vision for the future is to ensure that our department is fully prepared for Salida's exciting growth and the needs of the South Arkansas Valley. We have some of the bravest firefighters you'll ever meet, and they also serve the South Arkansas Fire Protection District. Keeping a watchful eye on our wildland-urban interface is crucial. My goal is to keep improving our services to those in the City and our ranching community. I also hope to make this already dangerous job a little safer for our firefighters.
This year, we expanded our RANCH HAND Controlled Burn Program, which has been a fantastic way to support our ranching community. I see even more potential for growth in the future, with programs like cistern maintenance, community wildfire planning, and further mitigation efforts.
Finally, let me tell you a bit about my wife, Jamie. We have dreamed of living in Salida for years, and the chance to serve as Fire Chief was simply too good to pass up. This place is truly one of Colorado's gems, and I've been visiting here since I was a little boy.
When it comes to favorite spots, the mountains and river are unbeatable. Both Jamie and I are passionate about the outdoors and all the incredible recreation options here. We're avid fly fishers, and believe it or not, Jamie even came in fourth in a recent national competition! Whether I'm riding my dirt bike or casting a line in the river, I feel incredibly lucky to work and live in this paradise.
I'm excited and honored to be here and be part of the community and an integral piece of Salida's public safety.
