City Council Honors 75 Years of Service, Tradition at Denver Fire

City Council Honors 75 Years of Service, Tradition at Denver Fire

Published on September 01, 2026

Denver - The Denver City Council formally recognized the 75th anniversary of Denver Fire Station 23, honoring generations of firefighters who have worked at the firehouse, located at 850 South Federal Boulevard.

The proclamation recognizes Station 23 as a cornerstone of southwest Denver, highlighting a distinct culture defined by the firehouse's iconic pink flamingos, crews who volunteer for one of the city's busiest assignments, and firefighters who stay actively engaged with their community off the clock.

Established on September 1, 1951, following the annexation of the Town of Westwood into Denver, Station 23 serves Westwood, Athmar Park, Ruby Hill, Harvey Park, and other southwest Denver neighborhoods.

Denver Fire Chief Desmond Fulton told the city council that the significance of Station 23 cannot be measured simply by how long its crews have been in service. "These are some of the busiest truck and engine companies in our city," said Chief Fulton. "What endears them to all of us is the way they approach each day with pride and professionalism. They realize they are part of the neighborhoods they serve, and they really go above and beyond every day."

The relationship between Station 23 and the communities it serves is central to the proclamation read on Monday, August 31, 2026.

Council Member Flor Alvidrez, primary sponsor of the proclamation, said she saw it firsthand during the station's anniversary celebration, where generations of firefighters returned to the station and community members gathered alongside.

"You can see the integrity that you all show up with every day in every corner of the firehouse," said Council Member Alvidrez, who serves District 7. "You connect with the community, and that is what really makes you stand apart. The culture spills over into the community. Thank you for continuing 75 years of having one of the best firehouses in the city, right here in southwest Denver."

"Every member of Station 23 has asked to be a part of this firehouse," said Denver Fire Captain John Chism, who is assigned to Station 23. "They go there knowing they're going to be busy and knowing they're going to have to work hard. We are truly blessed to be part of this group of people who just want to come in and do the best we can to serve the people of Denver and the people who call us in their most vulnerable moments."

That sense of purpose is what makes Station 23 standout.

"What really matters more than the brick and mortar or the firetrucks going in and out are the people who work there-the firefighters who go to the calls," said Denver Fire Captain Eric Tollun, who is assigned to station 23. "We train a lot. We do a lot of things behind the scenes that people may never see. And that is one of the unique things about what we get to do-we're just there. We're always there, 24/7."

Council Member Jamie Torres, District 3, co-sponsored the proclamation and thanked the firefighters.

"Station 23 is such a core part of who responds to calls in west Denver, and I thank you for the role you provide," Council Member Torres said. "It cannot be easy being a fire station directly on Federal Boulevard. It's got to be very tough getting to where you need to go and seeing what you see every day, so thank you for your service."

The Department of Public Safety also recognizes the work of current and former firefighters and professional staff assigned to Denver Fire Station 23 for their remarkable contributions to public safety.

Photos from the proclamation on Monday August 31, 2026, are being released. Please credit the Denver Department of Public Safety when using these images

• Fire Department