Ken Watkins has served as the Fire Chief since 2007. Prior to coming to Grand Junction, Chief Watkins held the positions of firefighter, firefighter-paramedic, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, training chief, and deputy chief at a department in the Denver metro area. Chief Watkins oversees the administration and leadership of the department. Having family ties to Grand Junction brought Chief Watkins here, but the professionalism and reputation of both the City of Grand Junction and the Grand Junction Fire Department are the reason he has stayed. Chief Watkins favorite hobbies are motorcycle touring and traveling.