The Front Range Fire Rescue Fire Protection District (FRFR) was officially formed in 2018, but its roots extend back to the early 1900s. FRFR represents the unification of two long-standing fire districts: Johnstown Fire Protection District and Milliken Fire Protection District. These districts joined forces in 2015 to create a fire authority, and ultimately, on January 1, 2018, they became one new special district under the FRFR name.
The Johnstown Fire Protection District traced its origins to 1908 when local leaders in the town of Johnstown equipped themselves with buckets, ladders, and axes in case of fire. In 1914, the first organized Johnstown Volunteer Fire Department was established with 20 members. Initially, hose carts were used to transport firefighting equipment, and in 1945, the town acquired its first fire truck. As Johnstown expanded, so did the demand for fire protection services. By 1952, the Johnstown Rural Fire Protection District was formed to better serve the town and surrounding areas through a mill levy.
The Milliken Fire Protection District (MFPD) traced its origins to 1949 but was officially established in 1963. Its volunteers worked diligently to keep pace with the growing community. As population growth continued, MFPD expanded its services, including the construction of the Hill’ n Park fire station. In 2009, MFPD appointed its first full-time fire chief, and within just nine years, the district transitioned from a fully volunteer-based department into an essential component of what is now FRFR.
Today, FRFR provides fire and emergency response and community risk reduction services to over 29,000 residents and businesses across Johnstown, Milliken, and portions of Larimer and Weld Counties. FRFR operates three fire stations located in Johnstown, Milliken, and the Hill’ n Park area near Greeley. FRFR is a career department delivering services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The organization is structured into three divisions: Administrative Services, Life Safety, Fire Prevention, and Operations. As a full-service fire district, FRFR offers a variety of services, including construction plan reviews, fire safety inspections, life safety education, community outreach programs, and emergency management.
The creation of FRFR required a significant level of planning and collaboration. Combining two independent fire districts into a cohesive, full-service agency demanded forward-thinking leadership, operational alignment, and strategic foresight. These efforts ensured a smooth transition and the foundation for a stronger, more efficient organization capable of meeting the growing needs of its service area. That same level of dedicated planning continues today as FRFR remains committed to shaping its future.
