Should the Fire Chief be paid or continue as a volunteer, and what should the Chief’s duties be? Candidates who were educated on this matter all agreed that getting a Chief who meets job description qualifications (created recently by new Chief Richard Bulich and Board Member Don Van Wie) would cost the department between $75,000-$100,000 dollars in salary. The desired requirements include a Masters of Business Administration degree and ten years of firefighting experience. Prior requirements contained no degree stipulation and only five years of experience. HCFPD’s annual budget is approximately $385,000. Currently the department pays only the part-time administrative assistant.

  HCFPD now operates using commercial and residential fire codes dating from 1997. In general, candidates agree with new commercial code requirements, but disagree with new residential code that requires cisterns and sprinkler systems. Residential building code is determined by Gilpin County staff and commissioners, but HCFPD makes recommendations. Some candidates argue that requiring these measures would result in a better insurance rating (ISO) and a decrease of homeowner insurance costs, however whether that is true and to what degree depends on the individual’s insurance provider.

  There is about $1.8 million in HCFPD’s account for acquiring and improving stations and equipment. The department has purchased property at the corner of Smith Hill Road and Highway 46 and had planned to build Station 6 there to service the Golden Gate Estates and Smith Hill areas. (This is near some Jefferson County residential areas also and, should those folks choose to be included in HCFPD, could be an additional revenue source.) ISO ratings are affected by the distance and travel time from the nearest fire station to a residence. Station 5, on Smith Hill Road is currently hampered by access and location, resulting in a long response time. Station 6 was the planned solution.

  Progress towards Station 6 was halted when a large commercial building near the junction of Highway 72 and South Beaver Creek Road came on the market and HCFPD considered buying the structure. The deal included approximately six acres and a residence that could be used for office space and/or housing firefighters. The asking price of approximately $400,000 plus the County’s willingness to let HCFPD divide the property so the residence could be handled separately, sweetened the deal. Station 1 is located only a few miles from this location, near Pinecliffe, and is too small to house the vehicles HCFPD would like to have there. It is also in need of approximately $30,000 in work to retain the hillside behind it. The current HCFPD Board did not move forward with the South Beaver purchase, however, and there is some contention about it within the department. Candidates differ in whether Station 1 repairs/ remodel/ replacement should take precedence over building Station 6.

  HCFPD currently has a $135,000 brush truck on order and is in the process of acquiring a 3,000 gallon tanker at a cost of about $315,000.

  HCFPD’s Auxiliary is a support organization that is not under the auspices of the Board of Directors in any way. The Auxiliary provides food and other support to firefighter’s on-scene and fund-raises to purchase things the department needs. They recently purchased an ATV for firefighters to get into backcountry fires and haul supplies with them. The department needs at least one more ATV and trailers to get them to the command point for wild land fires. The Auxiliary has paid for upgrades to stations, new equipment and some firefighting training. Gilpinites will likely connect with these folks at the County’s Flea Market (in June), the County Fair Pancake Breakfast or their annual Chili Dinner and Auction. Some candidates feel the Auxiliary needs to be more active in recruiting members and take on an expanded role. Some Auxiliary members say they feel threatened by Board members who want to have a say in Auxiliary matters. “There’s no reason we should be tampered with, even verbally,” one commented.

  When personnel problems arise, HCFPD’s chain-of-command procedure is for firefighters to resolve a problem between themselves. If that doesn’t work they are to take that problem to their commander (Station Captain). If unresolved, the problem is taken by the Captain to the Chief, and from there, it goes to the Personnel Board. The Board of Directors gets involved only as a last resort and if their decision doesn’t suit, it can head for court. There is feeling among some of HCFPD’s members that firefighters from the north end of the district by-passed the Chief (at that time, Roger Durham) and took complaints directly to Board members. Some members felt that was appropriate, others felt the Chief was not made aware of the problem nor given the chance to address or fix it. Candidates were asked how the personnel problem resolution process should look.

  Colorado Sierra Fire District (CSFD) is Gilpin’s other volunteer fire department. It covers a mid-count area in the middle of HCFPD. The two departments began merger talks earlier this year. Merging would allow the departments to combine training, equipment, administration, etc.  It would also expand the number of available firefighters, especially in the needed daytime responder slot, and would combine the two departments’ stations. Administration, funding and pension plans are the main items that need to be worked out. The process is expected to proceed once a new Board is elected. The merger cannot take place without a ballot question put to the voters in both districts. Candidates were asked their positions on merging.

  Folks residing within HCFPD boundaries have expressed concern that some of these changes might mean an increase in their taxes via the HCFPD mil levy rate. 78% of the department’s funding comes from Gilpin County residents; 22% from Boulder County residents. Voters in HCFPD would have to decide, via ballot, on any change to the mil levy.

  At a “Meet-the-Candidates” forum held April 23^rd, all candidates agreed that safety for firefighters and citizens is a priority. Other agreed-upon priorities included recruiting and retaining volunteers, seeking input and better communication, long and short-term planning. Nearly all stressed the importance of being and acting as “one department.” From that forum and from personal interviews, here’s what the candidates are saying publicly (substantially condensed), in the order their names will appear on the ballot: 

Two-Year Term Candidates

Don Van Wie (Incumbent): Van Wie has over 30 years of experience in various capacities with firefighting and emergency services. He has been on HCFPD’s Board for two years and formed a company to provide flash flood and dispatch related services to emergency agencies.

Paid Chief: Keep volunteers at this point. Requires sophistication and good management skills.

Fire Code Update: Yes. Especially for commercial properties where public safety is a concern. Depend on the County for enforcement of reasonable residential code updates.

Spending: Station 1. Engines-funded from ongoing budget.

Auxiliary: Needs to continue and expand. Use auxiliary members to help with other logistics on incidents besides just food.

Problem Resolution: Use the Personnel Board. After an event, have a critique for all to state their views and find common ground. Use a mediator if necessary.

Building Station 6/NewBoulder County Station:  Look at growth areas and the number of responses launched from stations. Station 1 is very busy. Consider carefully and plan jointly with CSFD before deciding.

Merger with CSFD: Supports.

Comments: Is on the Board because he saw a fire department in decline and wants to help. Transparency is important, as is community involvement. Feels his strengths are perspective in how fire departments work, legal responsibilities and working with the public.

Roger Durham: Durham has been with HCFPD for 34 years, beginning as a firefighter then serving as Captain, Deputy Chief and 24 years as District Chief. His professional background is in supervision of a multi-million dollar pharmaceutical plant.

Paid Chief: Keep volunteer. Qualifications depend on area the Chief is working in, whether that’s administrative or investigating/fighting fires. Duties as described by state statutes. Should the Board go to a paid Chief, Durham has proposed working a 20-hour week for an annual salary of $21,000 with no benefits, to provide Chief duties plus operations, inspections, representation, purchasing, etc. He would be available on-call as a daytime responder and would continue in that capacity as a volunteer.

Fire Code Update: Update codes for some things – slash burns, for example. Residential fire protection should be between the homeowner and the insurance company so there’s no unfair burden on anyone.

Spending: Station 1 and 6. Water tanks (large cisterns) at strategic locations. Replace trucks depending on maintenance costs, not age.

Auxiliary: Need to keep them around, they’ve paid for EMT training, equipment, bunker gear, ATV, special equipment. At fire scenes, they show up like angels. The Board and firefighters need to help them and be a part of them because that offers the chance to meet the public.

Problem Resolution: HCFPD has developed guidelines to use the chain-of-command. A vote of the commanders (captains) can change the guidelines at any time. The Board should not get involved until all of the steps are exhausted through the established procedure.

Building Station 6/New Boulder County Station:  The public is in the area where Station 6 needs to be and that’s where volunteers are joining. Build Station 6. The rock wall behind Station 1 needs attention. Move forward on it.

Merger: Supports.

Comments: Wants to operate in the present tax base and make decisions based on data. Brings firefighting, Incident Command and operations and grant writing experience and knows history of department and changes over the years.

2007 # Incidents Responded To/Incident Time Logged: 177 / 245.58 Hours

Total Hours of Training: 613.32

Four Year Term Candidates:

Dale Sternlicht: Sternlicht has been a paramedic with Gilpin Ambulance for eight years, currently stationed at HCFPD Station 2, with 15 prior years of paramedic service in the metro area.  

Paid Chief: Eventually. Not yet. Role of the Chief is to maintain the fire department and politically maintain the district. Needs a lot of experience with either a volunteer or professional fire department to be qualified.

Fire Code Update For Commercial code, yes. For Residential Code – people who build here are aware of risks. Fire protection measures should be up to them.

Spending: Poll the firefighters and the community to determine needs. Spend for training and equipment.

Auxiliary: They are the hidden backbone of this department. Strongly supports.

Problem Resolution: The parties involved should sit down and discuss and try to resolve their conflict themselves, first. If not, follow chain-of-command and bring in a mediator if necessary.

Building Station 6/New Boulder County Station: Investigate growth and call areas and where there will be volunteers. Consider how CSFD stations can be used before making a definite plan on new stations.

Merger: Supports.

Comments: Wants to be an advocate for firefighters and citizens. Wants to help district grow and function. Wants community to know he advocates an open door and wants to see more community involvement. Would like to see 3-4 firefighters available to respond at all times.

Kristine Bulich: Bulich is a nursing student whose background is as a self-employed office efficiency consultant and a professional psychotherapist. She has been a firefighter with HCFPD for eight years.

Paid Chief: Agrees with Crawford and Van Wie – keep volunteer. Would defer to the people working on the Board.

Fire Code Update: Keep the code current. HCFPD can only make recommendations; the County decides the code.

Spending: Look at priorities and make decision with input from the Chief. Station 1 is a priority.

Auxiliary: Promote the Auxiliary and encourage them to grow. Their work is very needed.

Problem Resolution: If it’s a small problem, work it out there. Bigger problems should go from firefighter to captain to personnel board. Bring in a mediator, if necessary.

Building Station 6/New Boulder County Station: Station 1 is the most current need.

Merger: Supports.

Comments: Things need to change. Wants to modernize HCFPD and insure good interagency cooperation. Wants to see a Board working together without ego. Feels her strengths are business acumen, money management skills, and her knowledge of HCFPD’s needs.

2007 # Incidents Responded To/ Incident Time Logged:15 / 13.63 Hours

Total Hours of Training: 61.83

Atashnaa Werner: Werner’s background is in bookkeeping and she openly admits she has no firefighting/fire department experience. She’s running because of her personal concerns about fire danger and the administration of HCFPD.

Paid Chief: Not enough information to answer – would defer to Crawford and Van Wie.

Fire Code Update: Supports updating the code, especially for commercial property. People should use common sense in their residences. Disagrees with mandatory sprinklers in residential properties.

Spending: Replace and upgrade stations and equipment. Training. Get input from firefighters.

Auxiliary: Can’t live without them. Expand their role.

Problem Resolution: Follow the department’s policies and procedures. Bring in a mediator, if necessary.

Building Station 6/New Boulder County Station: Not familiar with Smith Hill area, but agrees with Crawford and Van Wie that department input should be sought and then the Board makes the decision.

Merger: Supports.

Comments: Wants to see change. “The old ways are ok, but not really workable.” Need to do more outreach to community. Have confidence and trust in each other. Would like to see firefighters receive discounts at local businesses. Feels she brings integrity, calm, positive teamwork approach, creativity and organization skills.

John Rittenhouse:  Rittenhouse is retired from school administration and has served on the School Board, Library Board and Ambulance Board. He has no experience as a firefighter.

Paid Chief: Need to consult the firefighters and the Board and then decide whether it’s needed and who to pay how much to do what, if so. Duties include making sure there is daytime coverage and responding with initial ability to attack fire. Chief should be the community authority and have interpersonal skills plus be able to command the department and incident scene, make sure all equipment is safe and reliable, that people have training and that firefighters and public are safe.

Fire Code Update:  Does not support mandatory sprinklers or cisterns for residential properties. Government agencies shouldn’t tell residents what to do with fire code in their homes. Commercial buildings where public is at risk should have sprinklers.

Spending: Not familiar with all needs, but would get firefighter and community input, then decide.

Auxiliary: Critical to have. They could free up firefighters for firefighting duties if they are willing and trained to do other things like paperwork. Need to recruit people for the Auxiliary.

Problem Resolution: Follow the chain-of-command. It works up and down, every day and in emergencies. In extreme situations, bring in a mediator.

Building Station 6/New Boulder County Station: Doesn’t know situation so would have to consider location of call volume and how CSFD stations, if merged, would help. Then put the stations where there is the most need.

Merger: Supports.

Comments: Has served numerous boards and worked with numerous fire departments. HCFPD’s Board did things that were inappropriate that caused problems within the department and that needs to change. Wants desperately to heal the rift in HCFPD. “I’ve never been a firefighter. I think sane people run away from burning buildings – but bless those who are brave enough to do it.”

Robb Kambic (Incumbent): Kambic has been with HCFPD for ten years helping with Auxiliary activities, and with maintaining buildings and equipment. He has served two stints as Director totaling five years in all.

Paid Chief: Keep volunteer. Chief needs to be able to command incidents, lead firefighters, respond to fires and provide the best fire protection. Duties should be in tune with the district’s needs.

 Fire Code Update: Residential measures should be up to the homeowner. Update the code for commercial properties.

Spending: Follow the long range plan that was developed most recently in 2006. It has the steps needed for everything.

Auxiliary: They are the interface between HCFPD and the taxpayers/community. Supports them because they help build respect for firefighters and that makes firefighters feel appreciated.

Problem Resolution: Follow the chain-of-command.

Building Station 6/New Boulder County Station: Build Station 6. Look for inclusions from nearby Jefferson County – a densely populated area. Investigate inclusions.

Merger: Supports

Comments: Work within the current budget. Use assets to fullest potential and do the best for volunteers and taxpayers. Build from within. Feels he brings experience, technology expertise and is a “doer, not a talker.”

Jim Crawford (Incumbent): Crawford has a background in administrative technology and operations for the Department of Commerce. He has 24 years of experience with other fire departments and has served on HCFPD’s Board since 2006.

Paid Chief: Keep volunteer. Duties should align with the department’s job description.

Fire Code Update:  Keep the codes current for best fire prevention. Eventually you’re going to see mandatory residential sprinklers.

Spending: Make a plan to envision what the department looks like 20-30 years from now and follow that path. Make adjustments as needed.

Auxiliary: Helps make the department part of the community. Supports Auxiliary as a great asset to the department.

Problem Resolution: Problems should stay within the department unless the set process fails – then go to the Board.

Building Station 6/New Boulder County Station: Look at access and performance, response time and travel distance. Map it out and determine best locations. Consider ISO ratings.

Merger: Supports evaluating the merger.

Comments: “Fire service isn’t free; everyone pays for it either with their time or their money.” Urged community to get and stay involved. Would like to see medical screenings for volunteers. Has technology and grant writing expertise.

   Only residents who have lived within HCFPD’s boundaries for 30 days or more, and those who own property within HCFPD’s boundaries are eligible to vote in this election. Walk-in voting on May 6^th is only at Station 2, at 448 Pine Drive (north of the Last Shot) from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Mail ballots had to be obtained by April 29^th, and must be received by HCFPD’s Election Official, Gary Gain, by 7:00 p.m. May 6^th . They may be hand delivered to Station 2 on that date.