Fire Department Command Staff
Deputy Chief Chris Ellmer began his career with the Greeley Fire Department in 2003. Over the past two decades, he has steadily advanced through the ranks, serving as a Firefighter/Paramedic, Lieutenant, and Battalion Chief before being appointed to his current role as Deputy Chief of Operations. Throughout his career, Chief Ellmer has been dedicated to operational excellence, team development, and high-quality emergency response. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and an associate’s degree in Paramedicine, combining strong leadership skills with a deep understanding of field operations. As Deputy Chief of Operations, he oversees and supports the personnel responsible for delivering 24/7 emergency services, ensuring that GFD remains responsive, prepared, and committed to protecting the community.
Assistant Chief of Operations Ben Ojinaga brings over 34 years of fire service experience to the Greeley Fire Department, where he has served since 2003. He began his career in New Mexico in 1991 as a volunteer, paid-on-call, combination, and career fire agencies. His experience has given him a well-rounded and strategic perspective on fire service operations. Chief Ojinaga holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and an associate's degree in Fire Science Technology from New Mexico State University. He is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s prestigious Managing Officer Program. Rising through the ranks in Greeley, from Firefighter to Lieutenant, Battalion Chief, and now Assistant Chief, he oversees daily emergency response and overall department operations, serving the City of Greeley and surrounding communities. In addition to his operational leadership, Chief Ojinaga is deeply committed to education and community engagement. He chairs the Weld County Fire/Dispatch Efficiency Committee and has taught at the local, regional, and national levels on engine company operations, leadership, tactics, and strategy. Since 2003, he has also been an adjunct faculty member at Aims Community College, helping to shape the next generation of fire service professionals.
Assistant Chief Tim Logston has been with the Greeley Fire Department since 2003. He commenced his fire service career at Aims Community College, where he earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in both Fire Suppression and Fire Protection. He furthered his education at the University of Northern Colorado, obtaining a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Resource Development. Throughout his career, he has held various operational positions, including Firefighter, Lieutenant, and Battalion Chief. Currently, Assistant Chief Logston serves as the Assistant Chief of Support Services, where he oversees Emergency Medical Services, the Training Division, and the Emergency Apparatus Replacement program. In his leisure time, he enjoys camping by the lake during the summer and spending quality time with his family and friends.
Battalion Chief Chris Mirowski has committed over two decades to the Greeley Fire Department, building a distinguished career marked by leadership, technical expertise, and a deep commitment to training and mentorship. As a former Training Lieutenant for GFD, he played a critical role in shaping firefighter development, further demonstrated by his leadership as Past Director of the Front Range Fire Consortium Fire Academy in 2014 and 2015. He has served as a Hazmat Team Leader for GFD and as a Hazmat Specialist with Colorado Task Force 1, deploying to major disasters, including Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Chief Mirowski's contributions have been recognized through multiple honors, including the 2015 Rotary Club Service Above Self Award, the 2006 GFD Firefighter of the Year Award, and the VFW Firefighter in Blue Award.
Battalion Chief Eric Armitage has served the Greeley Fire Department since 1998, bringing with him prior experience from the City of Inglewood, California, and Castle Rock, Colorado. With over three decades in the fire service, he has progressed through the ranks from Firefighter to Lieutenant and now Battalion Chief. He holds an associate degree in Fire Science from Santa Monica College and maintains his certification as a Colorado State Paramedic. Chief Armitage is known for his steady leadership, operational knowledge, and commitment to mentoring others in the department. He finds deep satisfaction in public service and takes pride in contributing to the safety and well-being of the Greeley community. His long-standing dedication reflects a career built on experience, integrity, and service.
A committed member of the Greeley Fire Department since his recruitment in 2001, Battalion Chief John Forster initially served as a reserve with the Union Colony Fire/Rescue Authority in 1997. Throughout his career, Chief Forster has actively engaged in various aspects of fire service operations, notably as one of the department's first certified Peer Fitness Trainers, making significant contributions to its Health and Wellness initiatives. Leading the water rescue teams, he is a certified Dive Master holding multiple certifications in sub-surface and swift-water rescue. A long-standing ALS provider, Chief Forster's experience includes service on the special operations team and with both Engine and Truck companies, culminating in his current rank after ten years as Lieutenant. Chief Forster demonstrates a strong commitment to professional development and service by holding certifications as a state-certified Fire Officer II, state-certified EMT-I, and Incident Safety Officer, as well as numerous leadership qualifications.
Battalion Chief Teresa Hinz commenced her fire service career as a volunteer with the Ault–Pierce Fire Department (1997-2004) after graduating from Colorado State University with a double major in Biology and Animal Science and earning All-American honors in basketball. She furthered her academic pursuits, obtaining a master’s degree in biology from the University of Northern Colorado in 2002. Joining the Greeley Fire Department in 2002, Chief Hinz contributed to the Public Education and EMS Committees and chart review and currently leads the Fire Investigation team. Her certifications include Certified Fire Investigator, Peer Fitness Trainer, and live burn instructor. Progressing through the ranks, she was promoted to Lieutenant in 2007 and to her current role as Battalion Chief in 2022.
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Battalion Chief Brady Thomas began his fire service career volunteering for the Eaton Fire Protection District in 2003. Joining the Greeley Fire Department in February 2007, Chief Thomas advanced through the ranks from Firefighter to Engineer and Lieutenant, ultimately reaching his current position as Battalion Chief. Currently serving in the Operations Division on B Shift, he is an active member of several specialized teams within the Greeley Fire Department. These include the Technical Rescue, Wildland, and Colorado Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue teams. Additionally, Chief Thomas is the program coordinator for Special Operations, underscoring his commitment to the department's diverse emergency response capabilities.
Battalion Chief Richard Waidler began his fire service career in 2000 as a volunteer with the Mountain View Fire Protection District. In March 2003, he joined the Greeley Fire Department, where he has since served in various capacities, including Firefighter, Lieutenant, and Battalion Chief. During his tenure, Chief Waidler served as GFD's Training Lieutenant, playing an integral role in the Front Range Fire Consortium Fire Academy cadre. Chief Waidler currently oversees the Greeley Fire Department's Training Division and serves as program manager for the department's Wildland Team. Additionally, he has been an active member of both the Special Operations and Water Rescue Teams. Chief Waidler holds a bachelor's degree in finance from Oklahoma Baptist University and holds multiple certifications through the State of Colorado, including Fire Officer II, Fire Instructor II, and Incident Safety Officer.