BOULDER COUNTY — Boulder County has awarded more than $2 million to fund 20 projects by fire protection districts and emergency response agencies serving rural and mountain communities. The money will pay for new equipment, improved technology, and ongoing operations.

The County announced the grants in a late December press release.

“We are pleased to once again support the extensive volunteer and staff first responder teams that protect communities in times of emergency across Boulder County,” said County Commissioner Marta Loachamin. “Thanks to the Emergency Services Sales Tax approved by county voters, local fire districts can use this grant program to secure essential equipment and capital improvements that strengthen safety and preparedness countywide.”

The dedicated sales tax was passed in 2022, with 68% of voters approving the increase. This round of funding is the largest since disbursements began in 2023. 

The County provided a summary of the projects being funded:

• Allenspark Fire Protection District — $54,620
  Firefighter safety and operational equipment including personal protective equipment (PPE), a multi-gas detector, litter and wheel, intake valve, hose, and 14 Minitor7 pagers.

• Boulder County Firefighters Association (BCFFA) — $147,125
  Countywide emergency medical services training for all 17 BCFFA rural and mountain fire protection district agencies.

• Boulder County Sheriff’s Office – Fire Management — $65,780
  Converts the ALERTWest wildfire-detection pilot program into a permanent 24/7 monitoring system.

• Boulder Mountain Fire Protection District — $220,612
  National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)-compliant PPE, radios, firefighting tools, medical gear, and training.

• Boulder Rural Fire Protection District — $47,910
  Equipment to place a new Type 6 wildland engine into service, including tools, hose, fittings, and radios.

• City of Lafayette — $141,634
  Upgrades to automatic voice alerting in the County dispatch system for improved efficiency and alert accuracy.

• Four Mile Fire Protection District — $186,423
  Deferred replacements including a crew truck (50% share), Advanced Life Saving (ALS) medical equipment, and other operational tools.

• Gold Hill Fire Protection District — $85,800
  Concrete station apron, replacement Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) bottles, Utility Task Vehicle/Terrain Vehicle (UTV) safety upgrades, a portable water pond, potable water system, and new PPE.

• Hygiene Fire Protection District — $195,380
  Contribution toward construction of a new, modern fire station to replace the outdated 1963 facility.

• Indian Peaks Fire Protection District — $246,551
  Replaces a failing 1992 brush truck and funds insulation and heating for the station bay.

• Lefthand Fire Protection District — $59,123
  Replaces expired SCBA cylinders and adds an automated CPR device to enhance safety and patient care. 

• Louisville Fire Protection District — $81,857
  Updated wildland PPE, radios, and specialized tools for technical rescue operations.

• Lyons Fire Protection District — $85,364
  Four “No Smoke” diesel exhaust filters and 11 sets of structural turnout gear.

• Nederland Fire Protection District — $75,000
  Purchases a LUCAS 3.1 CPR device and replaces an outdated LifePak monitor.

• Pinewood Springs Fire Protection District — $1,950
  Tools for responding to EV and lithium-ion battery emergencies, such as those experienced by electric vehicles heading to or from Estes Park and Lyons on U.S. 36.

• Sugar Loaf Fire Protection District — $57,785
  Purchases 14 mobile radios to improve communication and safety.

• Sunshine Fire Protection District — $150,000
  Replaces two aging RAM 5500 chassis for brush trucks and upgrades one with a new diesel pump and warning lights.

• Timberline Fire Protection District — $28,914
  Five sets of custom-fit, NFPA-compliant structural PPE.

• Timberline Fire Protection District — $20,000
  Supports ambulance coverage in Timberline’s Boulder County response area through Gilpin Ambulance Authority.

• Volunteer Fire Department of Big Elk — $63,015
  All-terrain vehicle and skid rescue system for fire patrol and search and rescue across the 20-square-mile district and neighboring areas.

Funds from the dedicated sales tax are dispersed twice a year, with fall funding focused on rural and mountain areas. Applications from fire districts and emergency responders are reviewed by a nine-member volunteer panel.