After nearly four decades, former Deputy Chief of Operations Jeff Bybee has retired from service at the North Metro Fire District.
The district, which serves Northglenn and Broomfield, and some areas of Jefferson, Weld and Adams counties, said a fond farewell to Bybee last week after 39 years of service.
“Jeff is well known because he’s just a really likable, personable, caring guy, but he’s also so committed to our mission,” Fire Chief David Ramos said. “He’s just that guy who does a great job at working with partners to pull all of our efforts together in one direction, a champion for regionalizing what we do for the benefit of the community.”
Bybee joined North Metro Fire in 1985 while getting a degree in business, but fell in love with the atmosphere of the fire station and decided to pursue a career.
“From the second I got into the academy, I was hooked,” Bybee said. “It’s just a super fun atmosphere, it’s challenging … station life is wonderful.”
Over his career, Bybee received several awards, including a 1996 Distinguished Fire Service Award for rescuing a trapped victim from a second-floor apartment complex fire. He also was named 1998 employee of the year and earned the 2011 Fire Chief’s Exceptional Performance Award, along with several others.
But Bybee said it’s not just the exciting and big calls that kept him hooked, but the camaraderie and culture of the station.
“You’re joined in a common purpose, nothing happens in the fire service alone,” he said. “Firefighting requires teamwork, and teamwork builds bonds.”
Those who worked with him said his humor and good nature added to that culture. He helped build a station that was enjoyable to work at and kept people coming back.
“He has a lot of kindness and compassion and legitimately truly cares about the crews and the well-being of our folks,” Mark Daugherty said. Daugherty is the new deputy chief of operations. “For me, he was just a great mentor, I always felt so comfortable going to him.”
Bybee said his plan is to not work for a while, and enjoy retired life with his wife, although he’ll always love the station and fire department atmosphere.
“The best thing about being a firefighter is that it’s a job that allows you to exercise the best parts of your humanity,” Bybee said. “You get to show compassion, empathy and occasionally courage — all those things that, in our regular lives, we aren’t always great at doing, but that job gives you the opportunity and it’s such a gift, such a blessing.”
