Leadership
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Matt Smith
Chief of Public SafetyChief Matt Smith grew up in Southern California and has proudly called Grand Junction home for more than 25 years. He began his law enforcement career with the Cortez Police Department before joining the Grand Junction Police Department (GJPD) in 1999. Over the course of his career, he has steadily risen through the ranks, serving in both Services and Operations Divisions. His leadership has extended across a wide range of responsibilities, including patrol, investigations, school resource officers, the community resource unit, the regional communications center, SWAT, professional standards, training, and more.
Chief Smith has also held several specialized assignments, serving as a narcotics detective, firearms instructor, tactics instructor, SWAT operator, and SWAT Commander. In January 2023, he was appointed Chief of Police.
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Gus Hendricks
Deputy Chief of AdministrationGus Hendricks has worked for the Grand Junction Fire Department since 1999 and is currently the Deputy Chief of Administration for the City of Grand Junction. Chief Hendricks started in Emergency Services in 1987 and previously worked for both volunteer and career departments in the Boulder, Colorado area. Chief Hendricks chose to come to Grand Junction to work and play in the wide-open spaces.
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Johan Olson
Deputy Chief of OperationsJohan Olson was raised around the fire house and has been active in the fire service since 2001. Prior to coming to Grand Junction, Chief Olson served with Buckley Fire, Idaho Falls Fire, and then again with Buckley Fire. He has held the positions of Tail-boarder, Driver Engineer, Captain, Upgrade BC, Emergency Manager, and Assistant Chief. Chief Olson was also active on multiple special teams and held the lead positions for the Swift water team and Regional HazMat Team 7. Johan enjoys being involved with coaching youth sports (he’s very competitive), and his favorite hobbies are fishing, rafting, and following his four kids around.
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Steve Kollar
Fire MarshalFire Marshal Steve Kollar has been with GJFD since January 2006 and has previously held the ranks of firefighter, fire prevention officer, and was appointed Fire Marshal in 2018. Fire Marshal Kollar oversees all departmental activities related to new construction permits, fire inspections, and fire investigations. He enjoys working at GJFD because it allows him to creatively mesh public safety needs with the local built environment using his education in the urban and regional planning. He enjoys all outdoor activities including hiking and cross-country skiing.
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Mark McIntire
Division Chief - Emergency Medical ServicesDivision Chief - EMS Mark McIntire started his career in 1996 working as an EMT and later a paramedic in the Denver area. In 2008 Chief McIntire began working at Grand Junction Fire Department. In his time here, he has served as an EMS Officer, captain upgrade, firefighter/paramedic, quality assurance reviewer, and a training mentor. Chief McIntire oversees all EMS operations- everything from medical supplies and staffing to writing and obtaining grants for the EMS division. Chief McIntire enjoys time outdoors with his family in his time off.
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Brian Lurvey
Division Chief of TrainingBrian Lurvey has been with the department since 2006 and has held the ranks of firefighter-paramedic, medical officer, and Captain prior to becoming the Division Chief of Training in 2024. Chief Lurvey oversees recruitment, recruit academies, fireground training, and professional development for the department. Chief Lurvey has spent time in the US Army as well as private ambulance services before being hired at GJFD. Chief Lurvey grew up in Grand Junction, and his family has been in the valley since 1889. He enjoys spending time with his family on vacations, at sporting events, and volunteers his time at the local little league as an umpire when he can.
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Benjamin Blehm
Black CrewBattalion Chief Benjamin Blehm has served with the department since 2009. Over the years, he has held the ranks of Firefighter, Firefighter-Paramedic, Medical Officer, Captain, and Battalion Chief before being appointed Administrative Battalion Chief in 2021. Chief Blehm and now leads Black Crew as Battalion Chief and oversees the operations division for his shift, which includes all seven stations of the department. A Grand Valley native and graduate of Mesa State College (now Colorado Mesa University), he enjoys mountain biking and exploring the outdoors with his family.
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Chris McCoy
Green CrewBattalion Chief Chris McCoy has served with the department since 2004. His career includes time as Captain and Training Officer before taking on his current role as Battalion Chief for Green Crew. Chief McCoy oversees the operations division for his shift, which encompasses all seven stations responding to both emergent and non-emergent calls. Drawn to the profession from an early age, he chose GJFD for its strong connection to the community and the lifestyle the Grand Valley offers. In his free time, he enjoys camping and spending time with his family.
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Brandi Manuppella
Red CrewBattalion Chief Brandi Manuppella has been with the department since 2002. She has served as Firefighter, Paramedic, and Captain, and now leads Red Crew as Battalion Chief. Chief Manuppella oversees the operations division for her shift, which includes all seven stations of the department. Her path to firefighting began while working in hospice care, where she discovered her passion for EMS and helping people in critical moments. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and pets, hiking, camping, and taking part in winter sports.