South Metro Fire Rescue

Join South Metro Fire Rescue in remembering those who payed the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty at our annual SMFR Remembrance Ceremony. The ceremony will begin this morning at 9 a.m.

South Metro Fire Rescue Annual Remembrance Ceremony During the event, South Metro will honor and remember:George Burt...

South Metro Fire Rescue proudly hosted its June Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Arapahoe Community College.

The event honored the commitment and dedication of our members, including new hires taking their oath of office, several promotions, and multiple meritorious awards.

Fire Chief John Curtis welcomed attendees with gratitude and recognition for the families, friends, and distinguished guests who joined to celebrate these achievements.

“We consistently speak about our people as the backbone of what makes this organization so special. It really is what makes coming to work in this profession, in this agency - so meaningful.” Chief Curtis said, “From taking care of our community members in need to recognizing our men and women for the exemplary work they invest into their craft, it centers around our members. We’re looking forward to this evening and recognizing these individuals for their accomplishments.”

New Hires:
Steve Kirchner, Fire Inspector
Adam Jonston, Fire Inspector

Promotiosns:
Angie Johnson, Dispatch Supervisor
Dustin Kern, Emergency Communications Operations Manager
Jeff Hoffman, Engineer
Mike Fisher, Lieutenant
Jeff Hulley, Captain
Meritorious Awards:
Miranda Jones, Certificate of Merit
Chief Troy Angelo, EMS Battalion Chief, Distinguished Service Award

This week, South Metro Fire Rescue celebrated the retirements of two amazing members of our fire family: Engineer Kevin Dickhausen and Lieutenant Steve Krochta, who both completed their final shifts on Wednesday, June 17. Together, Kevin and Steve have dedicated 54 years of combined service to SMFR and the community we serve.

Sitting side‑by‑side on Engine 33, the two responded to countless calls together, forming a partnership built on trust, experience, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. Their presence at Station 33 has left a lasting impact on everyone around them.

Kevin began his fire service journey as a volunteer with the Sheridan Fire Department in 1995 and started his professional career with Castlewood Fire in 1996, which later became SMFR. Over 30 years, Kevin built a career he truly loved. Promoted to Engineer in 1999, he leaves behind a legacy defined by mentorship, discipline, hard work, accountability, and empathy. His guidance shaped countless young firefighters, and his genuine character forged lifelong friendships across the department.

Steve began his SMFR career in 2001 as a Firefighter, advancing to Company Officer in 2016 and Lieutenant in 2017. Nearly 25 years later, his leadership and steady dedication have made a deep and lasting impression on the department. His commitment to supporting his crews and serving the community has set a standard that will continue long after his retirement.

Please join us in congratulating Kevin and Steve on their extraordinary careers. Thank you both for your service, your leadership, and the example you’ve set. Wishing you a happy, healthy, and well‑earned retirement!

On Saturday, June 13, 2026, South Metro Fire Rescue participated in the 40th annual Mile High Hook & Ladder Parade and Fire Muster. The parade was led by Grand Marshal Fire Chief John Curtis and included antique trucks, modern-day fire apparatus, support vehicles, and multiple other agencies.

Chief Curtis kicked off the Fire Muster with opening remarks before a fire sprinkler burn demonstration by the National Fire Sprinkler Association’s side-by-side burn trailer. Crews from Tower 32, Engine 17, and Medic 12 participated in an extrication scenario and showed how firefighters use specialized equipment to rescue someone who is trapped inside a vehicle after a crash. Dispatchers showcased the resources and technology that SMFR's Incident Dispatch Team deploys to the scene during major incidents.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Fire Muster!

On Monday, June 8, South Metro Fire Rescue responded to an electric scooter fire near SMFR Station 36 in Castle Pines. Personnel from SMFR's Hazmat Team isolated the lithium-ion battery and safely packaged it for disposal.

South Metro's Community Risk Reduction Team wants to share some important information about lithium-ion battery fires:
- If you witness a lithium-ion battery fire, move away from the scene to protect yourself from exposure and call 911. The gases emitted from lithium-ion battery fires are extremely toxic.
- If damaged or used incorrectly, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. SMFR encourages all residents to be informed about their devices and follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach to all lithium-ion battery powered items.

Please be aware, South Metro does not offer a collection site for hazardous waste, including used or damaged lithium-ion batteries. For more information, visit www.southmetrocrr.org/lithium-ion-battery-fires

At 4:25 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) rangers responded to a water rescue near the Cherry Creek State Park swim beach.

While SMFR’s Dive Team was conducting training in another area of Cherry Creek Reservoir, witnesses saw an individual go under the water near the swim beach. As crews made their way to the east side of the reservoir, bystanders and a CPW seasonal park ranger jumped into the water and attempted to rescue the person.

Within five minutes, rescuers were searching the area near the swim beach. Divers from SMFR and West Metro Fire Rescue entered the water to search for the victim. Park rangers and deputies from Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office (ACSO) gathered information from witnesses on the exact last seen point to guide rescue efforts. Five rescue boats were on scene, and personnel used sonar technology to complete grid searches around the reported last seen point. Additional firefighters walked in the water along the shore and used specialized tools to search the area.

South Metro’s Incident Dispatch Team also launched multiple drones to assist with searching additional areas around the swim beach. After nearly two hours of intense operations, the CPW Marine Evidence Recovery Team (MERT) responded and worked closely with incident command to transition to a recovery effort. The victim's body was ultimately recovered from the water at 10:20 p.m. by the MERT boat.

South Metro Fire Rescue expresses our deepest condolences to the family for their loss.

Units assigned: Chief 11, District 1, Battalion 4, Battalion 5, West Metro Battalion 3, Dive 19, Dive 31, West Metro Dive 2, Engine 22, Engine 41, Engine 42, Engine 46, Medic 16, Medic 31, Medic 32, Medic 211, West Metro Medic 8, IDT 2, PIO 14, Safety 2, MED 2, West Metro SAM 2, LOGS 10