Just months after he was hired, Fort Lewis Mesa Fire Protection District Chief Chris Gibbons has resigned, citing a family matter. The resignation was announced late last week.
Gibbons submitted his resignation letter March 17, said Jeannine Glasby, the district’s office administrator.
In the letter, Gibbons said that while the decision was difficult, he has “a significant family matter” that requires his full time and presence right now. He thanked the district and the broader Fort Lewis Mesa community for welcoming and trusting him as chief.
“The experiences, relationships, and accomplishments we have shared will remain with me throughout my career,” he said.
A public announcement appeared on the district’s Facebook page several days after Gibbons formally resigned.
Leading up to his resignation, Gibbons had requested to stop responding to emergency calls and focus solely on administrative duties, board members said at a March 21 special meeting. He is working remotely through Wednesday to complete paperwork. However, his access to his computer and work email has been removed, board members said at the special meeting called to discuss his resignation.
Gibbons’ appointment drew scrutiny earlier this year after questions emerged about the accuracy of his resume, including whether he previously served as a fire chief in Missouri – a credential that could not be verified by multiple sources contacted by The Durango Herald.
The scrutiny came as the district was already grappling with instability after a wave of resignations and leadership turnover in 2025.
Glasby said the decision to resign was made entirely by Gibbons himself.
As part of his hiring, Gibbons received a relocation package to support his move from Missouri to Colorado. It has not yet been decided whether the board will ask him to repay that money, Glasby said.
To protect the district, the board confirmed that Gibbons’ spending authority was revoked and his primary computer and email access were shut down.
The board emphasized the need to ensure Gibbons transferred information related to ongoing projects, including grants, to incoming command staff. Members also discussed changing facility door codes to maintain security after his departure.
A board member said the hiring process for a new chief will take time and acknowledged that several aspects of the previous hiring process were handled incorrectly.
Assistant Chief Travis Schmidt has been appointed interim chief until a permanent replacement is hired. Further discussion of the hiring process is scheduled for the board’s next meeting April 14, Glasby said.
“The important thing to note is that those that are left in place are capable and working very well together to keep things running smoothly,” Glasby said.
Gibbons did not respond to a request for comment.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
