The City of Glenwood Springs announced Tuesday the promotion of police Chief Joseph Deras to chief of public safety and Lt. John Hassell to deputy police chief, according to a news release.

Deras has served as the police chief since 2020, and stepped in as interim fire chief following the retirement of Fire Chief Gary Tillotson in April 2024. In his new role, Deras will manage both the police and fire departments, overseeing emergency planning, budgeting, and administration.

“I am grateful to serve the people of Glenwood Springs in this new role,” Deras said in the release. “I am dedicated to continuing our mission of excellence in protecting our community with integrity, professionalism, and courage and to serving with honor and compassion.”

City Manager Steve Boyd highlighted Deras’ experience and how it’s benefited both departments already. 

“I asked Chief Deras to step in as acting fire chief because of his experience in public safety and organizational development,” Boyd said in the release. “He has truly done a fantastic job and that is reflected in the recommendations offered by both our fire and police department teams.”

Hassell joined the Glenwood Springs Police Department in 1996. Hassell and Deputy Fire Chief Doug Gerrald will continue serving their respective departments in overseeing day-to-day operations.

“The leadership and heart that Deputy Chief Hassell has served our community with throughout his tenure with the city is exemplary,” Boyd said in the release. “His skills paired with those of Chief Deras and Deputy Chief Gerrald are what makes this forward-thinking and contemporary approach to our city’s public safety effective.”

“I am confident that Glenwood Springs and our region will continue to benefit from the guidance of these talented leaders and the dedication of all the staff in our fire and police departments,” Boyd concluded in the release.