Fire Chief Steven M. Gillespie

Chief Gillespie started in the fire service in 1992 and joined the department as the Training Officer in September of 2008; Chief Gillespie was appointed to the Fire Chief’s position on May 4, 2009. Chief Gillespie is a certified Firefighter, Fire Officer, Instructor, Inspector, and Paramedic. Additionally, Chief Gillespie holds an Associate Degree in Fire Science Technology, Bachelor Degree in Organizational Leadership, a Master’s Degree in Executive Fire Service Leadership, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership.

Deputy Fire Chief Tim Raub
Operations Division

Deputy Chief Raub started the fire service in 1993 with the Wheat Ridge Fire Department. Deputy Chief Raub was appointed to the position of Deputy Chief on November 1, 2005 after successfully ascending the Department’s promotional ladder and serving in a variety of capacities. Deputy Chief Raub is a certification Firefighter and First Responder. Deputy Chief Raub has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Financial Accounting, holds Colorado licensure as a Certified Public Accountant, and is a member of the Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Assistant Chief Kelly Brooks
Fire Prevention Division

Asst. Chief Brooks has eleven years of fire service experience and has been with the Wheat Ridge Fire Department since 2002. Assistant Chief was appointed the position of Fire Marshal on August 24, 2009 after having previously served as Investigator and Chief Investigator in the Fire Investigations Bureau. Assistant Chief Brooks is a licensed architect as well as a certified firefighter and fire inspector. In addition, Assistant Chief Brooks holds membership in the National Association of Fire Investigators, International Association of Arson Investigators, American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. Assistant Chief Brooks has a Bachelor Degree in Environmental Design and a Master’s Degree in Architecture.

Assistant Fire Chief Bob Dowling
Emergency Management and Special Operations Divisions

Assistant Chief Bob Dowling started in the fire service career in 1974 with Reed Ambulance. Chief Dowling joined the Wheat Ridge Fire Department in 1992 and was appointed to the position of Assistant Chief 1997. Chief Dowling is a certified Firefighter, Instructor, and Emergency Medical Technician. Chief Dowling specializes in Special Operation, Emergency Management and is the Department Public Information Officer. Chief Dowling has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy and works as a Home Physical Therapist.

Assistant Fire Chief Andrew M. Drapeau
Support Service Division

Assistant Chief Drapeau started in the fire service in Wheat Ridge in 1994. Chief Drapeau was appointed to the rank of Assistant Fire Chief on November 1, 2005. Assistant Chief Drapeau is a certified Firefighter, Fire Officer, Instructor, and Emergency Medical Technician. Chief Drapeau holds an Associate Degree in Fire Science Technology and is currently pursuing a Bachelor Degree in Accounting. Additionally, Chief Drapeau is a career Fire Officer for the City of Denver Fire Department.

District Fire Chief Christopher J. Lukosky
Operations Division

District Chief Lukosky began his fire service career in January of 1995 and joined the Wheat Ridge Fire Department in April of 2005. Chief Lukosky was appointed to the rank of District Chief on May 18, 2009. District Chief Lukosky is a certified Firefighter, Instructor, Emergency Medical Technician, Driver\Operator, and Aircraft Rescue Firefighter. Additionally, Chief Lukosky is a career Firefighter and Airport Rescue Firefighter (ARFF) Specialist for the South Metro Fire Rescue Authority.