About Thornton Professional Firefighters
IAFF Local 2376

On February 19, 1953, builder Sam Hoffman began development of a new community which some considered too far north of town (Denver). The new community would be called Thornton, named after then current Colorado State Governor Dan Thornton. Three new model homes opened in April of 1953 off of Washington Street, and soon families began buying homes in the development and accepted the commute of 10 miles back to town. On May 26th, 1956 an election was held and Thornton was incorporated as a Colorado city. At that time, Thornton had a population of 8,640 and was one square mile is size.

Soon afterward, the new city realized its needs for a fire department and the Thornton Fire Department was formed. At that time, the department was all volunteer and responded out of a Quonset hut set on a hill in Thornton next to where the present Fire Station 1 is located on Dorothy Blvd. Any smoke from a fire could be easily spotted from the Quonset hut door.

Numerous firehouse stories have been told of how the location on the hill was also useful when the starter in the Seagrave would periodically fail. Several volunteer firefighters would push the engine out the door of the Quonset hut and down the hill so the clutch could be “popped” and the Seagrave would roar to life. Understandably, the first paid firefighter came shortly there after. Hired as a mechanic to keep the 1926 Seagrave in running condition, he also had to set down his wrenches and drive the engine to fire calls to meet responding volunteers coming from their homes and jobs.

As the city grew, so did the fire department. On September 25th 1974 a Certificate of Affiliation was granted from the International Association of Firefighters. The new charter displayed the 15 new charter members signatures. The certificate, issued by the IAFF to Local 2376 still hangs on the wall at fire station 1.

In early 1978, firefighters began walking the streets to talk to citizens about an upcoming special election. If the ballot issue would pass, Local 2376 would be recognized by the city and obtain collective bargaining rights. Their goal was to achieve and maintain harmonious relations between the city and the firefighters. They also felt that that a recognized local would provide for equitable and peaceful procedures for the resolutions of differences, maintain a spirit of cooperation and willingness to work together to best serve the community, and to establish proper standards of wages, and other conditions of employment. On July 10th1978, the citizens of Thornton agreed with the firefighters and the recognition of Local 2376 and collective bargaining rights where won in the election.

Local 2376 has grown to over 130 members and still maintains active in the community. In its 45 years of existence, the local maintains great pride in its special relationship with the city, community, and citizens of the City of Thornton.

News & Information

Brother Matoba Memorial

May 19, 2023
Brother John Matoba's Memorial will be held Friday, June 30th at the new fire station 1 located at 2300 Thornton Parkway. Memorial will begin at 10:00.

Passing of John Matoba

May 12, 2023
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of retired Paramedic John Matoba.

Join Our Team

May 12, 2023
Apply to work for the City of Thornton Fire Department. Application period is open, APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MONDAY, MAY 22, 2023 AT 5:00 PM MST.