The CU Boulder Police Department has hired Garry DeJong to be the new director of Events and Emergency Management. DeJong replaces Stuart Pike, who retired at the end of June.
CUPD Events is responsible for developing and implementing our security plan for more than 400 events on campus every year. CUPD Emergency Management assists the campus in reducing our vulnerability to hazards and preparing for disasters.
DeJong started his career with the Albuquerque Fire Department in New Mexico. He started as a firefighter and served as a driver, lieutenant, captain and battalion/division chief. DeJong also has worked as fire chief for the Evergreen, Colorado, and Lewiston, Idaho, fire departments.
Since 2014, DeJong has worked in the Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Most recently, he served as the operations/response section chief and the state of Colorado’s Emergency Support Function No. 8, a position that oversees public health and medical services during an emergency.
He has supported several local and statewide events including local outbreaks, water contaminations (including the Gold King Mine blowout), weather (flooding, snow and wind), wildfires and large events.
DeJong has completed several executive education programs, including the Executive Fire Officer program through the National Fire Academy; the Advanced Leadership Training Program through the Regional Institute of Health and Environmental Leadership at the University of Denver; and the National Preparedness Leadership Initiative through Harvard University. This past year, he received his certified emergency manager designation in Colorado (CO-CEM).
