Aspen Fire Department has new fire marshal, board member

The Aspen Fire Department has announced Parker Lathrop as its new fire marshal and John Ward as a new board member.

Parker Lathrop started with Aspen Fire in 2003 as a volunteer firefighter, holding ranks as captain and currently deputy chief. In October 2013, Lathrop was hired as deputy fire marshal and division chief of wildfire prevention, while continuing as deputy chief of the volunteers. As of Oct. 1, he was promoted to fire marshal, taking over for Brian Nichols. The division chief/fire marshal, under the direction of the fire chief, plans, supervises, reviews and performs varied tasks to include fire-code enforcement duties and inspections, fire investigations, fire education and plans review in addition to the fire suppression, emergency medical and rescue response of the department. The position is responsible for overseeing the fire-prevention programs to ensure compliance with state and local fire laws, codes, rules and regulations. Work includes supervising and participating in inspections of commercial, residential and retail establishments. This employee serves as acting chief in the absence of the CEO/fire chief and is subject to taking incident command.

John Ward was sworn in Sept. 16 at the Aspen Fire Board of Directors meeting and will fill the seat recently vacated by Tom Clapper. John Ward is the bank president at ANB Bank-Aspen and president of the Rotary Club of Aspen. John brings a strong financial background to this board seat, along with strong leadership with the Rotary Club.