Staff

David Frees joined the Office of Emergency Management in July 2020.

David graduated cum laude from Regis University of Denver with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology/Chemistry. He also holds a Master of Science in Zoology - Lake and Stream Ecology from Arizona State University. In 2022, David was awarded the "Emergency Manager of the Year Award", for the San Luis Valley All-Hazards Region, by the Colorado Emergency Management Association (CEMA). In 2021, David was also awarded the “Mike Gelski Award for Outstanding Volunteer Achievement” by CEMA.  

Mr. Frees joined the Villa Grove/Bonanza Volunteer Fire Department in 2009 and currently serves as Captain and Department Training Officer.  Mr. Frees has been a Team Leader and Technical Rope Rescue Technician with the Saguache County Search and Rescue Team since 2015.  He has also been an Emergency Medical Technician, with the Northern Saguache County Ambulance District, since 2016.

When David is not in a helicopter, an ambulance, or a firetruck, you can find him tending to the land at Thirsty Peak Ranch.