New Aurora fire chief likes 'team atmosphere'

A man who was forced into firefighting 27 years ago by an economic downturn is now responsible for helping the Aurora Fire Department pull out of another one.

Mayor Tom Weisner Wednesday announced Deputy Chief Hal Carlson is his pick to be the city's new fire chief. Carlson has served as interim chief since former Chief Tim Oelker retired in April.

Much like Oelker, Carlson never longed, as a boy, to become a firefighter.

"When the downturn hit, I was a manufacturing representative for my father's company, working on commission," Carlson said. "But before I knew it, my father was struggling with the business and the mortgage and everything else, so I was just looking for something part-time so I could help him make ends meet."

The schedule of a firefighter seemed to be just what he needed to make money and still help his dad.

"I saw a flier advertising that firefighters work one day and then have two days off and I thought I could help my dad on those days off," he said. "My dad passed away, the business went under, and next thing I know I've got seven years in at the Aurora Fire Department. Now I've got 26 and I don't know where the time has gone."

Carlson joined the department on Dec. 27, 1982. He was promoted to lieutenant on May 20, 1990; to captain on Feb. 16, 1999; to battalion chief on July 10, 2000; to assistant chief on April 19, 2003; and to deputy chief on Nov. 12, 2005. He was named interim chief on April 4.

Aldermen are expected to approve Carlson's selection during the Aug. 25 city council meeting.

"Hal has served the city well," Weisner said in a written statement. "He leads by example and his example over the years has been exemplary. He lives the core values all firefighters should possess: teamwork and the drive to help others."

As fire chief, Carlson, 57, will oversee a department that employs close to 215 people, including firefighters and support staff.

Carlson said he considers firefighting "a fantastic job."

"I think the longer you are with it, the more you get to see the benefit to being a firefighter. It sounds strange to say, but the happiest time for a firefighter is when you're busy," he said. "The fact that you go in as a team and are trying to help someone is a good feeling. It's the closest feeling that I can compare to participating in team sports."

His athleticism, he said, has also helped on the "not-so-good days.

"The way I deal is I go out for a run," Carlson said, adding that he and some of his co-workers in the department have started a lunchtime walking club. "It's good to go out for a walk, or a run, or to climb some stairs, then go get a fruit smoothie and get back to work."

He leaves this morning to compete in the World Police and Fire Games (the "Olympics" for police officers and firefighters), which he has done since 1993. He has been to Stockholm, Melbourne, Barcelona, Calgary, Quebec, Indianapolis and Colorado Springs, as well as other locations.

He will be in Vancouver in early August to compete in the running, rowing and stair climbing events. More than 10,000 athletes will be competing at the games.