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Chard new Loveland fire chief
Mike Chard has been named Loveland’s new fire chief. Chard had served
as acting chief since April, following the departure of former fire
chief Mark Miller. Chard came to Loveland Fire and Rescue as deputy
chief last November.
In making the appointment, City Manager Don Williams explained that
since receiving Miller’s letter of resignation, he has spent more than
three months studying issues within the department. Williams met
numerous times with both the leadership and all other levels of the
department’s personnel, including volunteers, to hear staff comments on
needs and future direction.
“I found a great deal of support for Mike and the programs he and Mark
Miller had created and put in motion,” Williams said. “Mike is
appreciated and well respected for his emphasis on operations, his
efforts to build efficiency without exceeding resources and his
creative, most-bang-for-the-buck approach.
“Mike and Mark were a good team from the beginning; headed in the right
direction. Mike’s appointment continues the department heading in that
direction without missing a step.”
Williams said Chard’s primary directive will continue to be moving
forward toward existing goals, including ongoing assurance that all
groups within and involved with the fire department maintain productive
working relationships.
Chard came to Loveland after 10 years with the Boulder Fire-Rescue
department, including serving as division chief of training and
hazardous materials operations chief. The previous ten years were spent
with the Sheridan, Colo. fire department, where he was promoted to
captain and provided his skills as the training officer and paramedic
coordinator. Chard began his public safety career 1982-84 in the Denver
area as a paramedic with Columbine Ambulance.
Chard is completing a thesis for a master’s degree from Regis University
in management sciences. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Regis for
organizational development and an associate’s degree in fire science
from Red Rocks Community College.
Chard, his wife Jojo and three daughters are looking forward to
relocating to Loveland from their present residence in Longmont.
“There’s been a great deal of positive momentum created within the
department,” Chard said. “I’m looking ahead to continuing that
momentum. We’ll continue emphasis on training, on effective utilization
of departmental personnel, on keeping the department well connected to
the community. We fully intend to keep the department available and
approachable by the community.
“I am honored to accept this position and to work with these people. I
do not take it lightly and look forward to the challenges,” Chard said.
Williams said Chard has demonstrated his leadership capability in a
number of ways, including communication, accountability, professionalism
and ability to create solutions with the involvement of departmental
staff members. Williams added, “Chard also provides the skills and
knowledge gained from a technical firefighting background.
“The City of Loveland and all other locales under the jurisdiction of
the department are well served by this appointment,” Williams said.
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