Chief Tavalez has served the citizens of Adams County for the last 29 years as a volunteer, as well as a career responder. He joined the Southwest Adams County Fire District as a Firefighter/EMT back on February 1st, 2001.  Along the way, Chief Tavalez has held various ranks and positions in the organization.  This includes Lieutenant, Training Captain, and most recently served as Station 12’s Captain.  Chief Tavalez is a DFPC Fire Officer I, Fire Instructor I, HazMat Technician, and ICC Fire Inspector II.  He also received his bachelor’s degree from Regis University Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Applied Science,  and was awarded the Colorado Fire Instructor of the Year in 2012.