Chester Riley Memorial

On March 27th, 2021 the Nucla Naturita Fire Protection District celebrated the life of “Chief 320”, Chester Riley. Chief Riley experienced a fatal medical emergency on the scene of a motor vehicle accident at DD31 Rd. and 3000 Rd. on March 20th, 2021. Chief Riley was known for being a great guy and was known to many around the district communities. Chief Riley died serving his community as one of the first arriving responders on scene, he was 57. A procession of emergency vehicles from around the region gathered to escort him from Naturita Town Park to the Nucla Fire Station, a near 7-mile procession. Chief was guarded by honor guard personnel until the services had ended. Chief 320 was given his final call by WestCo Dispatch.

Personnel from Colorado Department of Public Safety, Colorado State Patrol, Delta County Sheriff’s Office, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, Montrose County Sheriff’s Office, Montrose County Search and Rescue,  Mountain Village Police, Fire & EMS Departments: Cedaredge Fire, Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, Colorado River Fire Rescue, Delta County Ambulance, Gateway-Unaweep District, Grand Junction Fire Department, Gunnison Fire, La Junta Fire Department, Montrose Careflight 4, Norwood Fire District, Platte Canyon Fire Department, Ridgway Fire, Telluride Fire Department, USFS Engine 651.

Members of Colorado Emerald Society Pipes and Drums & Utah Firefighters Emerald Society were also in attendance.

Chief Chester Riley is survived by his wife, son, three daughters, father, and two brothers. Flags were ordered at half-staff by Governor Jared Polis.

Norwood Fire District stepped up to cover 911 calls for several hours while members of Nucla-Naturita Fire payed their respects to the chief.