Fire Chief Mike Cech

Chief Mike Cech, a three-year veteran of Fort Ellis Fire/Rescue assumed the position of Chief on November 1, 2010.  A firefighter and first responder, Chief Cech has been excited to take the helm.
"This is a great organization with volunteers dedicated to providing the best possible service to our residents," he says.  "We have strived to give our firefighters the best training and equipment to do this important work."

Chief Cech, an electrical engineer and construction manager for local utility, Northwestern Energy, lives in the district and has raised three children there along with his wife, Meg.

"Gallatin County has a great fire and rescue infrastructure and together with our partners, we look forward to being there when our residents need us most."

You can reach Chief Cech at mjcech@msn.com

Assistant Chief for Operations, Daren Nybo

Assistant Chief Nybo has served Fort Ellis Fire/Rescue since 2006 and as Assistant Chief for Operations since July, 2009.  His duties include overseeing the department’s operating procedures, equipment, training and maintenance of department vehicles.  An industrial designer by training, Assistant Chief Nybo was raised in the Fort Ellis district and enjoys looking at challenges through his designer lens.  He is a Montana-certified Firefighter 1 and nationally-registered EMT-First Responder.

"Thanks to the leadership and vision of several people, our department has outstanding equipment and training," he said.  "It is important for our volunteers to stay current in a myriad of areas, which is always a challenge, but one we feel is vital to provide services to our residents."

Assistant Chief Nybo works in the district and lives in central Bozeman.
Chief Nybo can be reached at dnybo@fortellisfire.org

Assistant Chief for Administration and Personnel, Buck Taylor

Overseeing the recruitment and retention of personnel, as well as being the department’s medical officer, Assistant Chief Taylor has been with the department since 2001.  He started with Fort Ellis interested in providing EMS, something he has done for more than 20 years, and found he really enjoys the fire side as well.

"Being a part of the fire service is a real commitment to try to keep up on everything that falls to the fire service today to attempt to mitigate from fires and motor vehicle crashes to medical needs and hazardous materials response," he said.  "However being in a position to help someone during their worst time is a tremendous feeling."

A nationally-registered EMT-basic (with endorsements), Assistant Chief Taylor works as a healthcare administrator.  He lives in central Bozeman with his wife and two children.
You can reach Chief Taylor at btaylor@fortellisfire.org