Mike Kirkpatrick is a 33-year veteran of the fire service, he's been with West Metro for 28 years. He has served in a variety of operational roles throughout his career, including firefighter/paramedic, engineer, company officer, safety captain, and district chief before being appointed to the Deputy Chief of Life Safety. In this position, he oversees code compliance, the plan review process, community outreach, and fire investigations. 

Chief Kirkpatrick has a degree in fire service management and is a graduate of the Public Safety Leadership Program at Denver University. He is a member of the Fire Marshal's Association of Colorado, National Fire Protection Association, National Association of Fire Investigators, and the DHS Fire Service Intelligence Enterprise. He is certified as a Colorado Paramedic, P.O.S.T. Reserve Officer, Fire and Explosive Investigator, and International Code Council Inspector.