Denver Fire Department Chief Eric Tade To Step Down

DENVER, CO — After a decade of leading the Denver Fire Department, Eric Tade is stepping down, the city announced Tuesday. He tendered his resignation in a meeting with Mayor Hancock late Monday afternoon.

Tade's resignation was announced after "inappropriate" opening comments were made at a firefighters' event, according to ABC 7, which first reported the story. The nature of the comments isn't known; however Tade reportedly called them "deeply" disturbing. The outlet said a similar "incident" occurred in 2019. The city has not confirmed whether the comments are connected to the chief's resignation.

"It has been an honor to serve the people of Denver as their Fire Chief, and I want to thank them, the department and the mayor for this opportunity to lead one of the premier fire departments in the country," Tade said in a statement. "It's the right time to step back and bring in new leadership to implement new strategies and a fresh perspective to foster continued improvement. That's what the men and women of this department deserve, and I remain committed to this department and the people we serve every day."

Per the Denver charter, Tade will be retained in the department at the rank of assistant chief, the city said.

"Chief Tade is dedicated to this department, and his decision that new leadership was needed reflects his devotion to the men and women who serve our residents in the Denver Fire Department," Hancock said in a statement. "When the Chief told me it was time for a new set of eyes, as difficult of a decision as that was, I knew he meant it, and I let him know that I appreciated his courage and wisdom in recognizing that it was time for a change."

(Stay up-to-date with metro Denver news with Patch! There are many ways for you to connect and stay in touch: Free Newsletters and Email Alerts | Facebook)

Tade will leave his position March 16.

Read the full ABC 7 report here.