South King Fire’s assistant chief Olson hired as new chief in Colorado

Published 12:28 pm Tuesday, March 10, 2015

The city of Thornton hired South King Fire and Rescue’s Gordon “Gordie” Olson as its new fire chief on March 5.

Thornton City Manager Jack Ethredge made the appointment final to bring Olson from Federal Way to Thornton, according to a city of Thornton news release.

Olson has served the South King Fire district for 29 years, where he will retire as the assistant chief of operations. He has been in firefighting since 1983, spending three years as a firefighter for the city of Buckley Fire Department before coming to Federal Way.

“I am excited for the opportunity to work for a well-positioned city and a young, energetic and talented department,” Olson wrote in the news release. “I was struck by the amount of pride they have in themselves and the job they do. They are focused on building future leaders from within and I find that very appealing for this position.”

City officials expect Olson to come to Thornton soon to find a home in the area. His first day of work is April 30.

“My wife and I are truly looking forward to being part of the Thornton community for years to come,” Olson added.

South King Fire and Rescue Chief Allen Church said the district will miss Olson as he moves on to new challenges.

“However, much like when Jerry Thorson left our department as a deputy chief to become the chief of East Pierce Fire and Rescue six years ago, I am very proud of every member of our administrative team and their ability to prepare themselves to lead,” Allen said. “Gordie is ready to accept the challenge to lead the Thornton Fire Department, much as Jerry was ready to lead East Pierce Fire. I applaud Gordie’s efforts over the years to educate and develop himself to get into the position of being named the formal leader at Thornton. I have the utmost faith in his character and abilities, and know he will do a great job.”

Allen added Olson’s retirement from South King Fire will provide new opportunities for district staff, “of which I have no doubt they will rise to the challenges of leadership as well.”

Ethredge said the city did an extensive search to find the right person for the chief position and he is “confident Gordon brings the right mix of fire and emergency operations leadership to continue the tradition of excellent service in Thornton,” according to the press release. “Gordon is coming to a department that has a great deal of talented and dedicated people and I am certain they will work together to move Thornton’s fire and emergency medical services in the right direction as our city continues to grow.”

For more information, visit www.cityofthornton.net.