At the beginning of 2023, the Timberline Fire Protection District’s Board of Trustees consisted of President Rick Wenzel, Vice President John Bushey, Members at Large John Carder and Mary Kate McKenna, and Treasurer Whitney Donoghue. Meetings are also attended by Fire Chief Paul Ondr and Administrative Chief Jennifer Hinderman.

In January, New Business included the approval of Station 4’s contract/lease agreement with Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC). This contract leased most of the property located at 448 Pine Drive in Black Hawk, but TFPD kept a Type 1 engine in the remaining bay. The lease goes through March 31, 2026. TFPD is responsible for replacing most of the flooring, repairing the rear gutter, and repainting the interior.

Ondr presented the lease for Station 7 with Gilpin Ambulance Authority (GAA) for the premises located at 660 Highway 46 in Black Hawk. The rent is $2,675 per month and the lease lasts for one year.

In February, TFPD responded to a train fire in Rollinsville, with a response time of 10 minutes and 18 seconds. Response vehicles included three water tenders, four fire engines, two wildland trucks, one ambulance, and multiple support vehicles. A total of 22 firefighters arrived on scene.

The firefighters hit the emergency stop on the rear locomotive engine which brought the flames down to three feet from thirty feet. The train was westbound and had stopped to let the Amtrak pass. Union Pacific was unaware of the oil being blown into the exhaust. The fire had also been reported as the train was crossing South Beaver. Gilpin dispatch did an excellent job contacting Union Pacific during the emergency.

Also in February, Chief Ondr reported that the septic system was complete for Station 3, Fritz Peak Observatory. The total roof cost was about $75,000, with about $10,000 in asbestos mitigation. Ondr sought $50,000 through grant funding. The administrative offices moved in on Monday, February 20.

In March, black hats, awarded to volunteers who have completed their training, were presented to Lt. Steve Geyer, Lt. Josh Colgan, Firefighter Hope Weaver, and Firefighter Chris Lovato. A new septic line was installed and the septic tanks replaced at Station 3, the Observatory. The driveway/parking area will be complete in the Spring. Headquarters moved from Station 7 to Station 3 on February 21, and signs were placed directing residents to the new Headquarters.

In May, Hinderman administered Oaths of Office to Wenzel, Bushey, and McKenna, who were recently re-elected to the Board to serve a four-year term ending in 2027. In Wildland/Mitigation News, TFPD received a Federal Fire and Prevention Safety grant, funding the majority of the Mitigation Coordinator position for one year. A temporary firefighter position was approved for $25,000, paid for from unspent budget funds.

In June, Ondr presented a black hat to Tom Wojtaszek. All three of the new engines have been received, with only minor repair issues. The Ford Explorer was placed out of service because of too many problems needing repairing.

New business in July included a recent board vacancy resulting from Whitney Donoghue’s move out of state.

Most notably in August, Colorado Rep. Joe Neguse (D), who had selected the Fritz Peak Observatory (FPO) Project to endorse for funding, toured FPO Station 3, where he met the Timberline Staff. This Department of Agriculture Community Facilities Grant in the amount of $908,279 will fund the construction of a three-fire apparatus bay addition to be attached to the existing building.

The Timberline Fire Department grant was one of Neguse’s FY‘24 Community Project selections through the appropriations process. These projects positively impact the district, and Neguse’s office will continue to advocate for funding.

Also in August, there were three candidates interested in filling the board vacancy for Member at Large. McKenna conducted interviews. Kristin Turner was nominated and voted in as Member At Large.

In October, TFPD opened a new fire station in Virginia Canyon, just outside of Central City. Many local and state officials attended, including Gilpin County Commissioners, the Nederland Fire Chief, Gilpin County’s Sheriff, the Chief of the Gilpin Ambulance Authority, the Executive Director of the State Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), and the North Central Regional Manager of DOLA.

In November, TFPD responded to a train derailment in Pinecliff. The District was on the scene and reported no fumes, leaks, or injuries following the derailment.

In December, the TFPD Pension Board filled a vacancy with Clay Bosworth, who has served with the department for twelve years.

The past year has been a fortunate one for Timberline. The acquisition of new fire trucks and two new stations will help to serve the area in the future, providing faster response for any emergencies, such as the train fire and train derailment in 2023.