Iain Irwin-Powell, Nederland. On August 19, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Nederland Fire Protection District conducted a special meeting for an executive session regarding Fire Chief Rick Dirr and a failure to follow recognized protocols that lead to a potentially hazardous situation on scene. Four members of the Board attended the meeting.

Department members had produced a draft After Activity Report (AAR) that led to some complaints being elevated to the Board. The Board discussed in detail the incident timeline, the protocols surrounding it, the potential outcomes and the effects that it had on the Department members. 

During the discussion, it became clear that there were some gaps in the narratives that had been collected that required further investigation. Further, the Board decided by majority vote that it would be appropriate to place the Chief on paid leave for the duration of the investigation. 

This is not a punitive move and should not be judged as prejudice on the matter but will allow the investigation to occur with less tension. The shift officers will assume operational control during the Chief’s absence, and the Board will deal with management of the district.

The Board is committed to providing a safe working environment for all of our staff and volunteers and believes that properly investigating these claims is paramount to ensuring that goal.

The next meeting of the Board will be on September 2, 2020. For more information, go to http://www.nfpd.org/.

(Originally published in the August 27, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)