New Black Forest fire chief sworn in

It’s a new year and now the Black Forest community has a new leader.

Bryan Jack was sworn in as the new fire chief on Monday morning. He’s taking over the spot left open by Bob Harvey.

“I’m excited to get started here. I grew up in Monument and worked there for the fire department for 15 years,” said Jack,

The new chief’s wife, Jennifer, continued the tradition of pinning on his new badge. The badge hasn’t been worn for five months.

Former Fire Chief Bob Harvey left his post in August. He said he suffered from PTSD, brought on by the Black Forest Fire.

“From your first day on the job, all the way to the fire chief, that’s what we train for,” said Jack.

The new chief says he’s prepared to take over a position that was once surrounded by criticism and controversy.

“We’re looking forward to the future. We’re going to identify relationships that have been strained in the past,” said Jack.

Harvey was accused of mishandling Colorado’s most destructive wildfire by former El Paso County Sheriff, Terry Maketa.

“Quite frankly, that’s priority No 1; reestablishing those relationships is a top priority on the list,” said Jack.

Next on his to-do list is getting to know his new team in Black Forest.

“It’s going to take some time. That’s my first goal here, getting to know the culture here and the staff on a personal level,” said Jack.

Bryan Jack has had a total of 19 years of experience with fire service. He first began on the hot shot crew in Monument.