Article Contributed on: 7/2/2009 9:13:45 AM
Joseph Bruce didn't wait long to try out something new as the newly minted chief of the North Metro Fire Rescue District.
Bruce, who officially took the helm at the fire agency July 1, held an early morning "Webinar" address over cyberspace to share his vision of the future with district firefighters, inspectors and other staffers. Speaking to a couple dozen personnel from his computer at the North Metro Fire Rescue District headquarters in Northglenn, the third-generation firefighter laid out his four 'C's' in his first address - care, concern, consistency and confidence.
It was the first such address ever given at North Metro Fire, said PIO Wendy Forbes.
"This Webinar is just one way to help open up the lines of communication," Bruce said. "But I think this is something that will work as we head into the future."
Bruce took over this month for outgoing Chief John O'Hayre, who retired after 37 years of service with the district, 22 of those as chief. Bruce said he's acutely aware of the emotions that come along with such a transition and urged staffers to support one another during the transition.
"And I understand this begins with my office," he said.
The district's board of directors unanimously selected Bruce for the position. He began his career with North Metro in September 2001 and made his way through the ranks - he was promoted to the position of division chief of operations before being appointed to deputy chief in 2008.
The firefighter bug runs in his veins. Both his father and his grandfather worked as volunteer firefighters in Jamestown, Penn., serving 50 years apiece.
"To say that I'm honored and humbled to have this opportunity is an understatement," Bruce said. "I certainly believe I can lead with passion and through the love of the service."
He hopes his love for firefighting spreads through the district, which covers more than 100,000 people in the communities of Broomfield, Northglenn and unincorporated areas of Adams, Boulder and Jefferson counties. Bruce talked often about evaluating the district's core services - more or less the daily grind - to ensure the fire agency is on the right track.
"For each and every task we do, are we doing that to the best of our ability and is there administrative support for that?" he asked.
Bruce comes in during a period of activity in the district. Collective bargaining is right around the corner, ground recently broke on a new administrative building and a new fire station is preparing to open its doors in Broomfield.
There's also the issue of the economy. Assessed valuations on property taxes are in flux, which means the budget is somewhat of an unknown.
But he said he's up for the challenge and offered hope to everyone listening during his first day on the job.
"I will always put the best interests of the district above any personal interest, including my own," he said.