Dear Editor,

I’m dismayed by the cronyism exhibited by Nederland Fire Protection District Board Member Henry Zurbrugg in his recent letter to the editor in defense of the Fire Department’s Chief. Mr. Zurbrugg claims he felt compelled to give the public insight into the issues, yet he spends much of his letter complaining about the new Board members — lobbing unfounded accusations at them, other department members, and the public as having it in for the Chief (though he never actually explains why this large group of people may want the Chief unfairly fired). He defends the Chief by lavishing general praise on him, and for some reason his wife, all the while conveniently glossing over the seriousness of the alleged safety violations, which he suggests are nothing more than “unpopular decisions.” 

Let’s be clear: ANY alleged violations of safe practices in emergency response, particularly by a person in a position of power, are incredibly serious. Regardless of Chief Dirr’s history with the Department and the community, if his actions endangered the lives of residents and/or first responders he must be held accountable. That Mr. Zurbrugg has already dismissed these allegations before any investigation has been done speaks volumes about his lack of objectivity and integrity. He’s made it very clear that he cares not for what this investigation may actually find, nor whether there’s validity to the charges; his decision is already made.

To suggest that members of the Fire Department have somehow been influenced to levy trumped up accusations against an otherwise competent leader sounds both ridiculous and paranoid. Obviously, the Chief will have an opportunity to tell his side of the story as part of an investigation and if no violations occurred, it will be reflected in the outcome. Why denigrate the investigation before it begins?

It is evident that new board members have requested several months to complete an investigation not because they’re inexperienced, but because they feel the need to be extremely thorough in order to combat the half-baked accusations already being leveled against them. The people within the Nederland Fire Protection District deserve answers, not wild conspiracy theories. Residents should demand public dissemination of the final report so they can make their own decision. If, in fact, Chief Dirr has done nothing wrong, he should welcome public transparency.

Jennifer Waltz
Coal Creek Canyon