Mike Kirkpatrick is a 35-year veteran of the fire service and has been with West Metro Fire Rescue since 1995.  Throughout his career, he has held various operational and administrative positions, including firefighter/paramedic, engineer, company officer, safety captain, district chief, and deputy chief of life safety. He currently serves as Chief of Staff, where he provides strategic guidance and executive-level administrative support to the Fire Chief. In this capacity, he coordinates district-wide initiatives, manages special projects, and ensures the effective execution of organizational priorities.

Chief Kirkpatrick holds a degree in Fire Service Management and is a graduate of the Public Safety Leadership Program at the University of Denver. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the National Fire Protection Association, the National Association of Fire Investigators, the Fire Marshal’s Association of Colorado, and the U.S. Fire Administration’s Fire Service Intelligence Enterprise Program.

He maintains certifications as a Colorado paramedic, fire and explosive investigator, remote pilot operator, and is a former certified reserve peace officer. In addition to his departmental responsibilities, Chief Kirkpatrick contributes to broader public safety efforts through his service on the Colorado Homeland Security Advisory Committee for Information Sharing, the Federal Correctional Institution Community Relations Board, and as a threat liaison officer with the Colorado Information Analysis Center.