Chris Hawkins can remove the “interim” label.

Less than three months after being named interim fire chief for the Four Mile Fire Protection District, Hawkins has been elevated to the permanent position.

“It was more a promotion than a hiring,” Board President Jeff Carnahan said.

Hawkins was born and raised in a small community in Missouri on his family’s farm raising cattle and hogs. He started working in construction after graduating from Warrenton High School in 2000.

In 2003, he and his brother started their own construction business until Hawkins enlisted in the US Army and served 10½ years including deployment to Afghanistan.

He considered a career in Law Enforcement, but after seeing firefighters in action, he decided to investigate it further. He took an EMT course and received his certification, but the construction business was picking up so firefighting went to the back burner.

While on vacation in Colorado and falling in love with the mountains, he decided to branch off of Hawkins Brothers Construction and start Rocky Mountain High Construction, becoming a full-time Colorado resident two and a half years ago. Driving down Teller County Road 11 he would pass Four Mile Fire Station and when he saw the sign needing volunteers, he walked in and signed up Feb. 8, 2022.

Hawkins took advantage of the training programs offered and obtained numerous certifications including EMT, firefighting, hazmat, and wildland fire. Two months after volunteering, he was promoted to lieutenant and two months later was offered a full-time paid position as captain.

“Being divorced and my kids, ages 13 to 18, in Missouri with the family, I had time to dedicate to taking courses, studying, and volunteering until being given the paid position, and doing whatever it took to become certified and qualified,” Hawkins explained. “I’ve always pushed myself to be the best I can.”

In November, the fire chief resigned and Hawkins was asked to be interim chief while applications were being sought.

“Chris really stepped up to the plate, did what was needed, and is a very good leader,” said Carnahan.

Carnahan explained that when the board made their decision and cast the vote, Hawkins received a big ovation from the Four Mile firefighters affirming their decision.

Besides his position as fire chief overseeing 39 volunteers, he teaches fire services at Cripple Creek/Victor High School two days a week. The goal of the program is to get students interested in a career in firefighting. Students can have their EMR by age 18 and other qualifications by the time they graduate. We are hoping that students can graduate high school and get hired by a department.

Hawkins said his job was made easier by the dedication of the volunteers. He said he had a great team and there is a lot of comradery.

“We’re like family and we just want to do our best for the community,” he said.