Gunnison council appoints Jed Hansen as fire chief, confirms assistant chief and captains

The Gunnison City Council moved to appoint Jed Hansen as fire chief after department representatives said Hansen was the unanimous selection in the department’s internal election. Councilmember Ron made the motion to appoint Hansen as chief; the motion was seconded and the council voted in favor.

Officials also noted Zach Jensen was chosen unanimously as assistant chief and that the department’s three captains are Ron Peterson, Kelvin Nay and Stephen Saltaire. Department representatives described the interlocal and mutual‑aid relationships that support the department’s wildfire response, saying the cooperative arrangement with state lands helps fund staffing and gives local crews initial‑attack responsibilities on some public lands.

Council congratulated the department leadership and thanked them for service. No formal objections or amendments to the appointments were recorded at the meeting; council approved the motion by voice vote.