Leading with Humility and Vision

Fire Chief Mark Daugherty Steps into His New Role

By Melissa Ruzicka

When Chief Mark Daugherty was sworn in as North Metro Fire Rescue District’s seventh fire chief, he knew he was stepping into both a tremendous honor and a great responsibility. In a recent conversation with Our Broomfield Magazine, he shared his reflections on his journey, the lessons learned along the way, and his vision for the department’s future.

Q: What does it mean to you personally to now lead this department as its seventh fire chief?

A: “It’s an incredible honor and a humbling responsibility,” Daugherty said. “North Metro Fire has a proud history, and being entrusted as the seventh fire chief means carrying that tradition forward while preparing the organization for the future.”

Q: “You’ve been with North Metro Fire since 2011. How did your earlier experiences shape your path, and what brought you here?”

A: Daugherty began his career as a volunteer firefighter before serving as a firefighter/paramedic with the City of Escondido Fire Department in San Diego County. “It was an area constantly dealing with wildfires and extreme call volume, and those experiences pushed me to grow quickly,” he recalled. Later, at Denver Health, he developed a passion for prehospital medicine. “I saw firsthand how evidence-based research improves patient care. That balance of operational strength and medical depth has shaped me as a leader.”

Returning to Colorado also meant returning to his roots. “What’s kept me here is the culture and the people — this department truly feels like family, and that’s something you don’t walk away from.”

Q: You’ve worked closely with Chief Ramos—what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from him?

A: “Chief Ramos showed me the power of humility in leader-ship,” Daugherty shared. “He always put the organization and the people first. His steadiness, even in the toughest moments, taught me that real strength is about listening, building trust, and making decisions that last.”

Q: What are your top priorities for your first year as chief?

A: “My top priority will always be ensuring we deliver the highest level of service to our community,” Daugherty said. To achieve that, he outlined four main focus areas: proactively addressing revenue challenges, investing in the well-being and professional development of personnel, ensuring operational readiness through facilities and staffing, and continuing North Metro’s tradition of excellence in EMS. “Our cardiac arrest outcomes are among the best in the nation,” he noted. “We will continue setting the standard in clinical performance, innovation, and compassionate care.”

Q: What role do you see partnerships with other agencies and the community playing in the department’s future?

A: “They’re essential,” he said. Daugherty points to North Metro’s integrated 911 system, where the closest unit responds regardless of agency. “That seamless approach saves lives and reflects the future of emergency response.” He also highlighted strong ties with local law enforcement and governments. “It takes everyone working together to build a safer, more resilient community.”

Q: Can you share a meaningful or inspiring moment from your time in the department that reminds you why you do this work?

A: “The Marshall Fire stands out,” he recalled. “Seeing agencies from across the state come together was powerful. Everyone showed up. Everyone took action. It was a reminder that in emergency services, no one stands alone.”

Q: What’s one thing about you that your colleagues or the community might be surprised to learn?

A: “Even with the demands of this career, my family has always been at the center of who I am,” he said. “My wife and our twin daughters are my foundation. Watching them grow up, and now begin kindergarten, has been one of the most exciting experiences of my life. They shape the perspective I bring to this role and remind me daily of what matters most. People might also be surprised to know how much I love hockey — I grew up an Avs fan and still follow the game closely.”

Q: Outside of the uniform, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

A: “Anything that gets me outdoors and pushes me,” Daugherty says. “Hunting, rafting, hiking, and traveling with my family all recharge me. Time in Colorado’s mountains gives me balance and perspective.”