Press Release- Jul 03, 2007
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
TUESDAY, JULY 3, 2007
Contact:
Evan Dreyer (Gov. Ritter's Office), 720.350.8370
Linda Rice (DOLA), 303.866.6249
GOV. RITTER ANNOUNCES CHRIS OLSON AS DIRECTOR OF DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Gov. Bill Ritter and Susan Kirkpatrick, executive director of the Department of Local Affairs, today announced the selection of Chris Olson as director of the Division of Emergency Management.
Olson has served as the director of the City of Englewood's Department of Safety Services since 1997. He has been with the City of Englewood for more than 30 years, where he has progressed through the ranks from firefighter, paramedic, fire officer, Deputy Director, to his most recent position. He also is the former president of the Denver Civil Service Commission, where he worked closely with the City Council, Mayor's Office and various employee, government and community groups on the selection, promotion and discipline of fire and police officers.
"Chris Olson's commitment to emergency management, his longtime experience in public safety and service to the community, make him an excellent choice for leading the Division of Emergency Management," Gov. Ritter said. "I believe his background will help elevate the critical and valuable work this division provides to our state."
The Division of Emergency Management is one of five divisions within the Department of Local Affairs. The division is responsible for the state's comprehensive emergency management program, which supports local and state agencies. Activities and services cover the four phases of emergency management: Preparedness, Prevention, Response, and Recovery for disasters such as flooding, tornadoes, wildfire, hazardous materials incidents and acts of terrorism.
"I am very honored to be serving in this statewide capacity. I look forward to working with Gov. Ritter and Executive Director Kirkpatrick in carrying the governor's emergency management strategy forward," Olson said. "This division is known for its strong partnerships with local communities and I am looking forward to the important work ahead."
Olson officially takes his post on July 30.