Assistant Chief Banning Starr joined Grand Fire Protection District No. 1 as the Assistant Chief of Operations in 2026. He brings more than a decade of structural and wildland fire service experience, along with an extensive professional background in forestry, fire ecology, and natural resource management.

Banning began his fire service career in 2014 as a volunteer firefighter with East Grand Fire Protection District No. 4. During his time with East Grand Fire, he progressed through the ranks of Firefighter, Engineer, Lieutenant, and Captain. Over the years, he has taken on increasing leadership roles within the fire service while remaining actively involved in emergency response, training, and wildland fire operations throughout Grand County.

In addition to his fire service career, Banning spent approximately 22 years with the U.S. Forest Service. During that time, he served as the Manager of the Fraser Experimental Forest, a role that provided him with many years of leadership and management experience.

Banning holds a Master of Science in Ecology and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health from Colorado State University. He and his family have made Grand County their home for many years, and he remains actively involved in the local community and in efforts to improve wildfire preparedness, forest health, and emergency response throughout the county.

Outside of the fire service, Banning enjoys spending time with family and friends and taking advantage of everything Colorado has to offer. He especially enjoys hunting, fishing, rafting, and skiing.