Chief Gillan is a Colorado native, born and raised in Arvada. His wife, Courtney is an educator with the local 27J school system, they have four kids ranging from the ages of 9 through 21. They enjoy spending time in the mountains, camping, hiking, and riding ATV’s. 

He has served with multiple fire departments, both volunteer and career, beginning in 2000. He has been a proud member of South Adams Fire since 2009, beginning as a volunteer and transitioning into serving as a board member for the last four years. He has a degree in Fire Administration and earned his fire officer IV certification, through TEEX.

He has served at Arvada, Boulder, Rocky Mountain Arsenal (Army civilian), and for the past 19 years, with the Denver Fire Department, where he last served as Captain of Station 32. Additionally, he served as an active-duty Marine for seven years and in the Colorado Air National Guard, (Fire Department), for fifteen. He officially retired from military service in 2017, in the position of Deputy Chief.