Fort Lupton Professional Firefighters Local 5553

08/17/2026

!!MEMBER MONDAYS!! Introducing Jakob Bolger. Jakob is excited to be apart of the union and continue to serve the community in every way he can! Get to know Jakob a bit more below!

-Why did you become a firefighter?

Helping people has always been a part of who I am. At an early age, I was introduced to firefighting as a junior firefighter in my local community. I was given the opportunity to see firsthand the positive impact I could have in this career, and from that point forward, I was hooked. After my time in the military, I knew that becoming a firefighter was a dream that I wanted to pursue.

-What is your career goal, and what will you do once you retire?

My goal is to one day obtain the rank of Fire Chief. After retirement, I plan to travel, play plenty of golf, and continue volunteering within my local community.

-What advice do you have for aspiring firefighters?

This career can be very competitive to get into. My biggest piece of advice is to never give up! It took me years to get on the job, but I stayed focused and continued pursuing the opportunity. If you remain dedicated and keep putting yourself out there, your opportunity will come. Be yourself, be honest, and keep learning!

07/04/2026

Happy 4th of July from the members of Local 5553! We hope you enjoy your weekend, please celebrate responsibly and leave the fireworks to the pros!!

06/17/2026

☀️ Summer is heating up! A quick reminder to stay safe:

06/15/2026

!!MEMBERS MONDAY!! Local 5553 would like to introduce James May! James has served in Fort Lupton for over a decade, get to know James a bit more below!

What made you want to be a firefighter?

-Before becoming a firefighter I was a stay-at-home dad for 7 years. As time went on I decided it was time to join the workforce again, but in what capacity? I've always enjoyed opportunities to help people and I knew I wanted my next career to not just be a job, but to be a way of life. I wanted a career that had deep meaning and gave me purpose, even if I didn't know what that purpose was going to be. I applied for a position with Fort Lupton Fire and was offered a volunteer reserve position. It didn't take long for me to serve this community for me to be hooked on being a firefighter. I was later offered a full-time career position and the rest is history, still in the making.

Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to become a firefighter?

-Being a firefighter is not for everyone, and that's okay. But, if someone is thinking about becoming a firefighter, I would advise them to visit their local firehouse. Request a tour of the stations. Meet the crews and ask a million questions. Request a ride along and see the job firsthand. Apply, apply, and apply again, but never give up until you find the department that says "yes". Most importantly, invest in yourself. Enroll into a fire academy through a local community college or maybe complete an EMT course. If you don't invest in yourself, how can you expect a fire department to want to invest in you?

When not at the firehouse, what hobbies do you enjoy?

-I don't like to sit still. We all have one life and I might as well make the most of mine. I'll rest when I'm dead. When I'm not at the firehouse, I'm usually found either on a golf course, a ski slope, hiking, mountain biking, or maybe even training for a triathlon. I also enjoy time with my family while camping, travelling, attending concerts, and Broncos games. If it's outdoors and with my family, my dog, or good friends, I'm in.

06/11/2026

05/21/2026

05/19/2026

Ken Bradley is a lieutenant here with Berthoud Fire, and is well-known in the fire community as a dedicated teacher and leader. He and his wife, Carol, have three children, and their family has always been active in supporting others. Now, they are facing an unimaginable challenge.

On Sunday, while driving to work, Ken was critically injured in a head-on collision caused by a vehicle traveling the wrong way in the HOV lane. The accident left Ken with multiple fractures in both legs, fractures to his left arm, a dislocated right shoulder, several broken ribs, a pneumothorax, a significant leg laceration, and a concussion. He has already undergone several surgeries and will need more in the coming days to repair the extensive injuries. Despite the severity of the accident, Ken’s resilience and the support of his family have been remarkable.

Ken's extended family has set up a GoFundMe to assist- Carol and their children are making daily trips from Colorado Springs to Denver to be by Ken’s side. The road to recovery will be long, and the family is facing mounting medical bills, travel expenses, and the challenge of supporting their children during this difficult time. Donations to this fundraiser will help cover medical costs, travel expenses, and provide much-needed support for Carol and the kids as Ken heals.

We are so grateful that Ken survived, but the journey ahead is daunting. Any support for Ken, Carol, and their children is deeply appreciated. Please help this family as they navigate the difficult road ahead.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-ken-bradleys-recovery

04/16/2026

📣 SAVE THE DATE! 📣
Please join the Fort Lupton Fire Protection District as we welcome Chief Greg Ward at his Change of Command Ceremony.
📅 Thursday, May 21, 2026
🕔 5:00 PM
📍 Station 3
2470 S. Rollie Avenue, Fort Lupton, CO 80621

04/10/2026

Please join us this Saturday at 9am Fire Station 1, located at 1121 Denver Ave. Fort Lupton CO 80621 as we push in the new Engine 2601. We look forward to celebrating this exciting addition with our community.

04/07/2026