Four Mile Protection Chief Chris Hawkins, 41, was arrested last month by the Teller County Sheriff’s Office.

Hawkins was charged with misdemeanors to include domestic violence, harassment, obstructing telephone service and emergency-fake crime.

Hawkins posted bond and is scheduled to appear April 22 in Teller County District Court.

In the meantime, Hawkins will continue serving as the district’s chief, said Jeff Carnahan, president of the board.

“We don’t have the details yet of the accusations, so Chris will continue to serve,” Carnahan said.

According to the arrest affidavit, Hawkins and his on-again, off-again girlfriend got into a dispute Jan. 6. Both had been drinking at a residence, and the girlfriend allegedly drove away after the altercation.

The girlfriend was later located, and arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Though Hawkins had initially told sheriff’s deputies that only the girlfriend had become physically violent during the fight, a cellphone video taken by the girlfriend indicated the opposite, according to the affidavit.

Hawkins’ leadership as chief has been notable for the department’s ice-rescue training, using 21st-century techniques and physical strength for the exercises chiefly on Wright’s Reservoir in the Four Mile area. The training begins with a class at the station with videos, a test and a lesson on tying knots correctly based on ice conditions.

“Water knots are different than dry knots,” Hawkins said in January after the exercises.

Before assuming the role of chief, Hawkins was appointed as the interim after the retirement of Kirk Greasby, who served two years in the top role.

Hawkins joined the department as a volunteer in February 2022, graduated from the fire academy and was promoted to lieutenant of the wildland firefighting crew.

Hawkins is one of three paid staff members of the district.

Chris Hawkins (Courtesy Teller County

Sheriff’s Department)