by Mark Smiley | Jan 16, 2026 | Main Articles
by Mark Smiley
Retired Glendale Police Chief Joe Haskins (right) passes along a ceremonial sword bearing the engraved names of past chiefs to new Glendale Police Chief Justin Haynes, an enduring tradition that has remained in the chief’s office for decades. Photo credit: Colton Strickler
Retired Glendale Police Chief Joe Haskins is pictured in vintage photos, remembered for his decades of service and leadership in the Glendale community.
After 38 years in law enforcement, including almost 13 years as Glendale’s police chief, Joe Haskins is stepping away from the badge, leaving behind a department he helped fundamentally reshape and a legacy defined by service, accountability, and cultural change.
Haskins’ career with the Glendale Police Department began in 1994, after six years with the Sheridan Police Department. Like many officers of his era, he entered policing with what he describes as an “enforcement-first” mindset, an approach that would later evolve in response to a pivotal moment in the department’s history.
In October 1999, Glendale police were involved in a serious incident during a contact with a man believed to be intoxicated in his vehicle. The situation escalated, and the individual was assaulted by an officer who was later convicted of a crime and permanently removed from law enforcement.
“That incident made it really clear, to the mayor, City Council, and certainly to the police department, that things needed to change,” Haskins said. “We recognized there was a big shift that had to happen.”
The department began moving away from an enforcement-first philosophy toward a model emphasizing judgment, restraint, and decision-making under stress. That cultural shift, Haskins said, did not happen overnight.
“It took years,” he said. “By 2006 or 2007, we were really well on our way, but this is never something that’s ‘done.’ You’re always working at it.”
As he rose through the ranks, promoted to sergeant in 2002, lieutenant several years later, and ultimately police chief in 2013, Haskins became closely involved in training and policy reforms. One of the initiatives he helped pioneer was Glendale’s force-continuum training program, a hands-on simulation designed to replicate the stress and unpredictability officers face in real-world encounters.
“You can teach policy in a classroom and pass a written test,” said Haskins. “But how are you really going to act at three o’clock in the morning when no one is watching?”
The program placed officers in realistic scenarios using protective gear and non-lethal training weapons, allowing supervisors to observe how officers responded under pressure and intervene with retraining when necessary.
“That was one of the key things about
changing the culture,” Haskins said.
In 2013, following the resignation of then-Chief Ross, Haskins was appointed interim chief and later named permanent chief by City Council. His tenure would become the second-longest in department history.
Despite leading a relatively small department, Haskins emphasized that Glendale officers face big-city challenges, from high call volumes to nightlife related incidents, and that proactive policing has long been a hallmark of the department.
“Our officers are busy,” Haskins said. “I’d put their activity level up against anyone in the metro area. They’re proactive, not just waiting for the radio to go off, but making contacts, trying to solve problems, and figuring out whether someone needs help or accountability.”
Throughout his career, Haskins often returned to the idea of policing as a calling rather than a job.
“I’ve always believed law enforcement is a noble profession,” he said. “The nobility comes from the self-sacrifice. You give up some of your rights. You place the will of the public ahead of your own.”
As chief, he reminded officers that the uniform itself symbolized service over self.
“I take away your first name. Your first name is ‘officer,’” he said. “Because it’s not about you, it’s about the service you’re providing.”
Barret O’Brien (left) poses with retired Glendale Police Chief Joe Haskins, lifelong friends whose bond has remained strong through the years of service and community involvement.
While Haskins is retiring as chief, he is not fully stepping away. He plans to continue consulting for the city and police department, offering institutional knowledge built from decades of experience.
“I don’t want to just abandon the cops over there,” Haskins said. “I care deeply for the department and every single member of staff.”
More than anything, Haskins said retirement will allow him to make up for time lost with his family, particularly his wife, Rochelle, who endured years of late nights and constant worry.
“Every night I went to work, she had a pit in her stomach until I got home,” he said. “She lived that life with me.”
Reflecting on his career, Haskins expressed gratitude rather than pride.
“I was trusted with an incredible responsibility,” he said. “It was always a privilege, and I tried very hard to live up to that.”
by Amber Wyatt | Jan 16, 2026 | Main Articles
Fire Threatened Historic Inga’s Alpine Tavern
by Amber Wyatt
Blazing Inferno: The Leetsdale Drive fire was the largest in Denver for decades but fortunately resulted in only one fireman being injured
A five-alarm fire tore through the Harker Heights apartment complex under construction along Leetsdale Drive along the Glendale-Denver border on Friday evening, January 3, sending thick black smoke into the sky, knocking out power for nearby blocks, and forcing evacuations on the border of Denver and Glendale.
The 283-unit development was scheduled to open in May, but officials said the building had not yet been outfitted with a sprinkler system or interior drywall, allowing flames to spread rapidly through exposed construction materials. At one point, the fire sparked a smaller blaze behind the neighboring Sherwin-Williams paint store, which crews quickly extinguished.
Individual Arrested
Suspect: Convicted felon Tony Becerra of Aurora was arrested in connection with the five-alarm fire on Leetsdale Drive.
It was the largest fire in Denver in decades and encompassing an area equal to four football fields. With unusual alacrity the Denver Fire Department (DFD) announced on January 14, 2026, that they had arrested Tony Becerra, 38, of Aurora as a result of a joint arson investigation of the DFD and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Surveillance footage has the suspect entering and leaving the construction site shortly before the fire started and other cameras tracked his movements after leaving the site. He is shown carrying a black bag. The exact origin and cause of the fire have not yet been determined.
Becerra had been previously convicted of felony trespassing and had an active warrant from June 2025 for failing to appear for another trespassing charge. In keeping with Denver city policy his immigration status was not revealed.
Evacuations And Power Losses
Neighborhood Watch: Homeowner watched and worried as the fire roared. Homes on East Dakota Ave. on the north were noticeably damaged.
Roughly 1,000 Xcel Energy customers lost power as firefighters battled the flames, and the Glendale Police Department opened an overnight shelter at the Glendale Event Center for people displaced by the evacuation orders and outages.
Denver Police issued evacuations for residents of about 10 to 15 homes behind the construction site, where residents watched the fire climb high above rooftops.
“It looked like the building was blowing up,” said South Hilltop resident Caitlyn Molner, who lives directly behind the site. “I saw the flames in the reflection of my refrigerator.”
Molner said she and her husband fled with their four-month-old baby and dogs within minutes as the heat intensified near their home.
“I was afraid our house was going to burn down,” she said. “The firefighters did an incredible job keeping it out of our home.”
Historic Tavern Narrowly Spared
Photo by: Caitlin Spano
For many neighbors, the fire carried an additional fear: that it might destroy Inga’s Alpine Tavern, a longtime community fixture next door to the burning complex. The tavern sits in a building that dates back to 1954 and has served multiple generations of residents as both the neighborhood and the surrounding business corridor evolved.
“I’ve never seen one like it in Denver,” said Jeff Hansen, whose family built the structure in the 1950s and now owns it. “We’re just grateful Inga’s made it.”
The restaurant’s owner, Mary McKnabb, said she was not on site when the fire broke out, but her son Peter, the manager on duty, called her shortly after flames erupted nearby.
“About 10 minutes later the police showed up and told them they had to evacuate immediately,” McKnabb said. “Fire trucks were blocking Leetsdale. The parking lot was almost inaccessible.”
McKnabb said her son secured the business quickly before leaving, unsure what would remain by morning.
“He told me, ‘Mom, I thought the place wouldn’t be here tomorrow,’” she said.
Although the building survived, smoke and disruption have affected business operations in the days since. Inga’s lost power and connectivity, forcing the tavern to operate on a limited basis.
“We have a backup internet that sort of works,” McKnabb said. “We can run credit cards, but we can’t print receipts or kitchen tickets. We’re handwriting everything.”
Residents Describe Intense Heat, Smoke Damage
Hose Deployment: Fire engines capable of pumping 1,000 gallons of water a minute had to be refueled at least four times during the night of the fire.
In the South Hilltop neighborhood behind the construction site, residents described flames reaching an estimated 100 feet and heat strong enough to threaten nearby homes. Alan Rivoir, who lives just behind the site, said he was away in Littleton when his landlord called to warn him.
“He said, ‘The building behind us is burning down and the heat is intense,’” Rivoir said.
Rivoir rushed to make arrangements for his three dogs as evacuation orders spread. He said his home did not catch fire, but smoke from burning construction materials caused significant damage and required full remediation.
Fire’s Remnants: Residue from the five alarm Leetsdale fire highlights the destruction and loss brought about by the event. Photo: Kevin J. Beaty
“The wind saved us,” Rivoir said. “If it had shifted, those 100-foot flames would have wiped out our whole block.”
Fire Contained After Heavy Response
Firefighters used heavyweight equipment to move debris as crews worked to fully extinguish hot spots. Officials reported that 156 firefighters responded and that several engines capable of pumping 1,000 gallons of water per minute had to be refueled at least four times overnight due to the scale of the blaze.
Hose Deployment: Fire engines capable of pumping 1,000 gallons of water a minute had to be refueled at least four times during the night of the fire.
Following the fire, nearby businesses began reopening as conditions improved. Inga’s reopened to serve residents returning from evacuations who did not want to cook.
The Jewish Community Center remained closed through January 4 to prevent smoke from entering the building, while air purifiers ran throughout the facility. In a statement, the center thanked first responders and said it was collecting items of appreciation for nearby fire stations, including fresh challah bread.
Frightful Flames: Flames from Leetsdale Drive apartment construction site fire flare above the nearby Greek Orthodox Cathedral
The Assumption of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Metropolis Cathedral, located nearby, said it did not sustain smoke damage.
Questions remain as investigation continues
The cause of the fire has not been officially determined. Investigators said they were considering all possibilities, including reports of fireworks in the area.
The property is owned by Embrey, a Texas-based real estate investment company. Federal investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives are assisting, deploying a National Response Team that includes certified fire investigators, explosives specialists, engineers, and forensic chemists, along with an accelerant detection canine.
Photo by: Zachary Roulier
Despite the destruction of the unfinished apartment complex, many residents expressed relief that the fire did not spread further into surrounding businesses and homes.
“Thank you to the firefighters, because I don’t know how all of these homes aren’t burned down,” Mark Lampert told Denver7. “I mean, seriously, it’s a miracle.”
For Molner, the memory of the night still feels unreal.
“We were lucky,” she said. “So lucky. And we owe everything to the firefighters who kept it from getting worse.”
by Mark Smiley | Jan 16, 2026 | Editorials
by Mark Smiley
Demolition: Demolition crews begin tearing down the historic City Park West Apartments, standing since 1923, marking the end of a century-old Denver landmark as the site prepares for the future Chrysalis Apartments redevelopment. Photo Credit: Matt Geiger/BusinessDen
City West Apartments: A black-and-white view of the historic City Park West Apartments in Denver, a longtime neighborhood landmark that served residents for generations.
After standing for more than a century, the City Park West Apartments, first opened in 1923, are officially slated for demolition, marking the end of an era for one of Denver’s long-standing residential landmarks. The property, known for its vintage brick exterior, narrow stairwells, and generations of tenants who called it home has been cleared to make way for a new redevelopment project: the Chrysalis Apartments. The Empowerment Program, a local nonprofit, demolished the 1920s apartment building and an older duplex at 1767 and 1777 Franklin Street. In its place, the organization will construct a 7-story, 70-unit complex.
For longtime residents and nearby neighbors, the announcement has been met with a mix of nostalgia, frustration, and cautious curiosity about what comes next.
“This building has been part of the neighborhood’s heartbeat for as long as anyone can remember,” said one nearby resident who asked not to be named. “You walk past it and you feel Denver’s history. It’s sad to see it go.”
A Building That Outlasted
Decades Of Change
The City Park West Apartments were built during a period when Denver was rapidly expanding outward from downtown. Nearly all of the neighborhood’s early development followed the rise of streetcars, new civic parks, and a growing middle class seeking housing close to city amenities.
Over the decades, the apartments became home to an ever-changing mix of Denverites, young professionals, retirees, artists, service workers, and families, many drawn to the building’s affordability and proximity to City Park, Colfax Avenue, and central Denver.
While charming in reputation, the building also reflected the realities of aging infrastructure: limited modernization, outdated layouts, and increasing maintenance costs.
Why Demolition Now?
According to redevelopment representatives, the decision comes down to structural limitations and the economics of renovation versus rebuilding.
Though historic in age, the City Park West Apartments were never officially preserved under the highest levels of historical protection, leaving the property vulnerable to redevelopment pressures in one of Denver’s fastest-changing housing markets.
The upcoming Chrysalis Apartments project is expected to feature updated units, modern amenities, improved energy efficiency, and a more contemporary design intended to meet the demands of today’s residents.
“Chrysalis”
A Symbol Of Transformation
Chrysalis: A rendering of the future Chrysalis Apartments in Denver, a modern mixed-use redevelopment planned to replace the former City Park West Apartments site.
The name Chrysalis Apartments appears to be a deliberate nod to change and renewal: a chrysalis is the stage of transformation before something new emerges.
Supporters say the project represents opportunity, more housing supply, better building standards, and a chance to reimagine a property that has long needed investment.
Critics, however, warn that “transformation” can be a gentle word for displacement.
“To some people, this is progress,” said one community advocate. “But to tenants who have been here for years, it feels like they’re being pushed out of their own neighborhood.”
Concerns Over Affordability
And Displacement
As Denver rents continue to rise, residents are watching closely for details about what kinds of units the Chrysalis Apartments will include.
Community members have raised questions such as:
- Will any portion of the new apartments be affordable or income-restricted?
- Will current tenants receive relocation assistance?
- Will the redevelopment preserve any of the original character of the site?
- What impact will construction have on nearby streets and businesses?
In many Denver neighborhoods, older apartment buildings serve as naturally occurring “affordable housing” simply because they’re outdated. When they are replaced with luxury new builds, rent prices often jump dramatically, shifting who can afford to live nearby.
A Neighborhood Landmark
Fades Into Memory
Even residents who support new housing say the moment still carries weight.
There is something uniquely bittersweet about watching a nearly 102-year-old building disappear, one that stood through the Great Depression, World War II, the rise and fall of downtown development patterns, and Denver’s modern boom.
For some, the City Park West Apartments were more than just brick and rent checks. They represented first jobs, first leases, new beginnings, and the kind of imperfect but authentic city living that shaped Denver’s identity.
As demolition nears, neighbors have begun sharing photos and stories online, quietly memorializing a building that many assumed would always be there.
by Mark Smiley | Jan 16, 2026 | General Featured
by Mark Smiley
The space formerly occupied by The Pub on Pearl in Denver’s Wash Park neighborhood, where Dry Dock Brewing Co. is set to open a new location later this spring. Dry Dock purchased the property for $2.5M.
One of Colorado’s most established craft breweries is preparing to make its mark in the heart of Denver’s Wash Park neighborhood. Dry Dock Brewing Co., a longtime staple of the state’s craft beer scene, is slated to open a new location this spring at Pub on Pearl, bringing its award-winning beers and community-driven approach to the popular Pearl Street corridor.
Founded in 2005, Dry Dock Brewing Co. has earned a strong reputation across the Front Range as a pioneer of Colorado’s modern craft beer movement. Based in Aurora, the brewery was the city’s first microbrewery and has since grown steadily while maintaining a focus on quality, accessibility, and neighborhood connections. Its expansion into Wash Park represents a significant step, introducing the brand to a new audience while anchoring itself in one of Denver’s most active and recognizable districts.
The new Dry Dock location will operate out of Pub on Pearl, a longtime neighborhood gathering spot known for its relaxed atmosphere and central location just blocks from Washington Park. The partnership is expected to preserve the familiar feel of Pub on Pearl while incorporating Dry Dock’s full lineup of flagship beers, seasonal offerings, and rotating specialty brews. Brewery representatives have indicated that the Wash Park location will emphasize a welcoming, community-oriented taproom experience rather than large-scale production.
For many Wash Park residents, the addition of Dry Dock is a natural fit. The area is known for its walkability, bike traffic, and steady flow of visitors throughout the year, particularly during the warmer months. As spring arrives, the neighborhood typically sees an uptick in foot traffic from park-goers, joggers, and cyclists, making the timing of the opening especially notable.
Local business owners and neighbors have expressed optimism that the arrival of a well-known brewery could further strengthen the Pearl Street corridor, which has become a destination for dining, casual nightlife, and social gathering. Established breweries opening satellite or partnership locations have become an increasingly common trend in Denver, reflecting a shift toward smaller, neighborhood-focused taprooms that integrate into existing commercial districts.
Dry Dock’s move also highlights the continued resilience of Denver’s craft beer industry, which has faced significant challenges in recent years. Rather than rapid expansion, many breweries are choosing strategic, community-based growth — an approach that aligns closely with Wash Park’s character.
While an exact opening date has not yet been announced, Dry Dock officials have confirmed the location is expected to open this spring. Additional details regarding hours, events, and possible renovations to the space are anticipated as the opening approaches.
For Wash Park residents and visitors, the arrival of Dry Dock Brewing Co. at Pub on Pearl promises a blend of familiarity and something new: a trusted Colorado brewery paired with a beloved neighborhood venue, just in time for patio season.
