Montrose fire board boots chief of 18 years

By Staff
Thursday, May 5, 2011

MONTROSE — The Montrose Fire Protection District board has removed its fire chief for personal reasons, according to board Chairman Steve Ellis.

Bob Pistor had been the district’s fire chief for the past 18 years until the board’s decision April 21, Ellis said.

“The board of directors has made a decision. It’s a personnel issue, and I’m not at liberty to talk about it,” Ellis said.

Deputy Fire Chief Tad Rowan was named acting fire chief, Ellis said.

Pistor had little to say about his departure Wednesday, saying, “I’m retired.”

The fire chief is directed by the board to oversee operations including personnel and equipment within the district. The district fire board is a five-member panel elected by local residents.

Ellis said more information about the move could be coming in a few days.