Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue has named Joe Oakland as the department’s new deputy fire chief, while also promoting Chris Welch to captain and Christian Keller to lieutenant.

“I couldn’t be prouder to have three longtime employees assume leadership roles with the department,” said Fire Chief Chuck Cerasoli in a statement. “Joe, Chris and Christian are ideally suited for their new roles, and I know our community will benefit from their expertise, dedication and leadership for the foreseeable future.”

Oakland, Welch and Keller have over 50 years of combined fire and emergency services experience and will be pinned with their new badges at 9 a.m. Monday in the Citizens Meeting Room in Centennial Hall at 124 10th St.

During the event, the department will also recognize newly certified paramedics Kellie Wilcoxon and Jared Kennedy.

According to a news release, Deputy Fire Chief Oakland was born and raised in Steamboat Springs and has strived to serve the community since a young age.

Oakland has served the city with Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue for nearly two decades, taking on roles such as interim deputy fire chief, captain, lieutenant, paramedic and EMT.

Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue’s deputy fire chief oversees fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, disaster preparedness and other related programs with outside agencies.

Oakland has taken an active role in many department projects throughout the years, and holds certifications from the State of Colorado, the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, the National Wildfire Coordinating Group and the American Heart Association.

Captain Welch started at Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue in 2008 and has since been a firefighter, engineer, paramedic, lieutenant. Most recently, he held the position of interim captain, states the news release.

Welch developed and managed the first Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue fire academy and training regimen, as well as its technical and swift water rescue operation protocols.

Welch also shares his extensive knowledge with numerous federal response teams, military units and firefighters across the West and internationally.

When not serving at the fire department, Welch participates in Baja Moto racing, has climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro and has served as a ski patroller for Steamboat Resort for 15 years.

Lieutenant Keller was raised in Steamboat Springs and started in the fire service as a volunteer for North Routt Fire Protection District in 1997, following in the footsteps of his father, who was the North Routt fire chief at the time.

In 2007, Keller became a full-time firefighter and paramedic in Grand Junction, then later moved back to Steamboat Springs in 2011 and joined Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue.

According to the news release, Keller holds many state and federal certifications and takes particular interest in the response to hazardous materials as the department’s head of hazardous material training and a member of the Craig Hazmat Team.

In his free time, Keller volunteers to coach soccer and Nordic combined skiing through the Steamboat Winter Sports Club.