Chief Taft Retirement

Denver Fire Department Chief Greg Taft worked his last shift on duty in District 7 on June 1st, 2016. Greg got a job in 1974, at age 18, for Physician’s Ambulance Company, which contracted with and ran out of North Washington Fire Rescue only fire station at the time. In 1976, at age 20, he got hired with the Thornton Police Department where he served as an officer until 1979. On April 16, 1979, Greg’s dream was finally fulfilled when he was hired by and became a Denver Firefighter. On probation, he worked at Truck 4, Squirt 12, Truck 23 and Engine 21. After getting off probation, he was assigned to Truck 23. During this time, he roved to Engine 5 quite a bit, which at that time was stationed in a residential type house in the Southwest Plaza area, until it closed in January of 1981. Greg then moved to Engine 6 and eventually to Squad 1, which was also stationed at 6’s quarters. Greg was promoted to Lieutenant August 1, 1982 and roved District 2 until he received his permanent assignment on Hammer 1, which was a two-man crew stationed at 6’s. Greg then transferred to the Fire Prevention Bureau for 1 ½ years and then to Engine 1. He was promoted to Captain on April 16, 1990 and was moved to Arson for 2 years. Other assignments he held as Captain included Engine 10, at old 10’s (32nd Ave & Curtis St.), Engine 23 from 1994-2001 and Engine 28 from 2001-2002. Promoted to his highest and final rank of Assistant Chief on March 1, 2002, he roved District 5, was assigned to HR for a year, and then went to District 7, which was his favorite area as it was where he grew up. He was transferred to District 3 for 1 ½ years and finally spent his last 11 years of duty (2005-2016) back in District 7 at Station 23 as Chief 7. After almost 43 years in Emergency Services and 37+ distinguished years of service on the Denver Fire Department.