Steven W. Cox was appointed Fire Chief on October 11, 2008. Chief Cox currently oversees a department of nearly 500 employees, 20 fire stations with more on the way, and a 53 million dollar budget.
Chief Cox is a native of Colorado Springs who began his fire service career in 1981 and has been employed with the Colorado Springs Fire Department for the past 28 years. He has served in many positions that include firefighter, driver engineer, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, and Deputy Chief of Support Services within the fire department. His experience includes both emergency operations and support services.
Chief Cox holds an associate's degree from Pikes Peak Community College and a bachelor's degree from Regis University. Significant commendations include Firefighter of the Year, 1996; Medal of Valor, 1995; and Governor Roy Romer's Award for Courage: Off-Duty Rescue of Elderly Victims. "My focus for the future of the Colorado Springs Fire Department," says Chief Cox, "is on evaluating our resources and looking at the best possible way to deliver service to the citizens of Colorado Springs while taking care of the firefighters who work here." Chief Cox has been married to his wife Juli since 1980 and is the father of two daughters, Tera and Amanda. He and Juli have two sons-in-law and one grandson, William.
