The Estes Valley Fire Protection District on Monday swore in longtime volunteer firefighter Justin Kearney as its new division chief of operations and training, marking his transition to a full-time leadership role.
Kearney, an Estes Park native, took the oath of office during a ceremony at Station 71, 901 N. St. Vrain Ave., surrounded by more than 50 family members, colleagues, and community members. The promotion places him on the district’s senior leadership team, where he will oversee daily operations, training programs, and coordination with regional emergency partners.
Interim Fire Chief Warren Jones said Kearney rose to the top of a competitive selection process because of his leadership abilities, technical knowledge, and deep understanding of the Estes Valley community.
“He has very strong leadership abilities, a great knowledge of our field, and most importantly, a tremendous knowledge and feeling for this district and the Estes Valley,” Chief Jones said.
Kearney began his service with the department in 2006 as a volunteer firefighter and has held the ranks of lieutenant and captain, earning his promotion to captain in 2017. He has nearly two decades of experience with the district.
In his new role, Kearney will supervise volunteer officers and firefighters, oversee the district’s training and volunteer coordination functions, and serve as a liaison with agencies including the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, Rocky Mountain National Park, the Town of Estes Park’s police and dispatch departments, and the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control.
Chief Jones also recognized others during the ceremony, including Rebecca Domenico-Gelsinger, who joined the district a week ago as the new executive assistant to Chief Jones, and Chris Thomas, who served as the interim division chief of operations and training.
“Chris filled in in this position for several months and did a wonderful job,” said Jones.
Continuing a fire service tradition, Kearney’s wife, Amy, pinned on his official department badge during the ceremony. His parents, Mike and Laura Kearney, attached his collar brass. Kearney’s father previously served as a volunteer firefighter with the district.
Addressing the audience after taking the oath, Kearney said he was blessed to continue serving the community.
“Nineteen years as a volunteer has meant a lot to me,” said Kearney. “It’s the membership that does all the work. I’m just here to help and reduce barriers as much as possible moving forward.”
The division chief of operations and training plays a central role in maintaining the district’s operational readiness and emergency response capabilities.
“It’s a heavy responsibility,” said Jones. “But it’s very rewarding as well, and I know that you’ll excel.”
In addition to his fire service, Kearney has spent 16 years working for the Town of Estes Park as a street department supervisor, overseeing budgeting, capital planning, and daily operations.
Domenico-Gelsinger was recently tapped to fill a new position with the EVFPD as executive assistant to the fire chief. She had previously served as Visit Estes Park’s operations director.
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