This prestigious award is presented annually by the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control to recognize truly outstanding fire chiefs whose extraordinary contributions serve as an example and challenge for all other chief fire executives throughout Colorado.This award is presented to a person who exemplified dedication, professionalism, and enthusiasm for leading fire service personnel in the State of Colorado.
"Through his commitment and service, Chief Rhodes has made immeasurable impact not only on the Colorado fire service, but across the nation," Paul Cooke, Director of the Division of Fire Prevention and Control says.
Chief Mike Morgan, President of the Colorado State Fire Chiefs' added that "Chief Rhodes' leadership, innovation, integrity, and service to the public are an example for us all".
The Fire Chief of the Year award is made in the name of former Fire Chief George Mazzotti, an individual whose accomplishments in the field of fire service leadership are meant to serve as the standard by which nominees shall be measured. The recipient is selected through a peer nomination and committee review process. Following are but some of the comments that were made by his peers on the nomination forms:
- Chief Rhodes has worked tirelessly in his fire service career to promote diversity and equality, to uphold the fire service and those in it to a higher standard in all that we do.
- He gives back to both the fire service and the community daily and provides positive leadership and mentorship to those around him.
- Chief Rhodes is a shining example of servant leadership.
- The public life and the fire service life of Chief Rhodes are intertwined in that his selfless acts are so often overlapped.
Media Release: Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control
