Nederland Fire looks for new chief - Captain Charlie Schmidtmann has been with the NFD for 25 years. Due to his experience as a firefighter, paramedic, dispatch, engineer, and mechanic, has been called the department’s “Jack of all trades.” PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER KELLEY[/caption]

The Nederland Fire Protection District (NFPD), since March 5, 2023, has been searching for a new Fire Chief to take the helm at the Nederland Fire Department (NFD). On March 7, 2023, Captain Charlie Schmidtmann was named the interim Fire Chief for the second time in his illustrious career, having been named interim Fire Chief previously in 2021.

The NFPD Board of Directors, after a lengthy interview and assessment process, chose Schmidtmann as the primary candidate for the open position on August 16, 2023.

On Friday, August 25, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m., a Meet and Greet was held at the NFD, which gave members of the public the opportunity to speak with Schmidtmann one on one about his professional experience.

While providing The Mountain-Ear with a tour of the department, Schmidtmann, who has been with the NFD since 1995, first as a volunteer and then worked his way up through the ranks, showcased his intricate inside-and-out knowledge of the department’s equipment and vehicles.

In addition to having a Bachelor of Science from the University of Northern Colorado in Nursing, holding paramedic and fire inspection certifications, and being more than proficient in EMT services, as well as kinesiology therapy, Schmidtmann is also an experienced engineer and mechanic who has worked as a contractor building engines and fire stations.

Schmidtmann also carries with him a different side to firefighting experience, having fought the Cold Springs wildfire alongside his wife, ER nurse and volunteer firefighter Bretlyn Schmidtmann, even after their own home had been destroyed in the fire. They understand, more than most, the sacrifice required to be the thin line protecting the entire community from disaster.

Throughout the Meet and Greet, Schmidtmann was sure to make the rounds and greet everyone in the room, dedicating a portion of his time for all those who came.

On one hand he joked with others about being 48 years old with 50 years of experience, and on the other hand he discussed the weight of potentially shifting away from getting his hands dirty alongside his peers and moving into a more delegatory position.

As attendees spoke with all the firefighters, NFPD staff, and directors from the board who were present, Schmidtmann found time to sit with an NFD volunteer and have a one on one conversation about the importance of retaining experienced staff and of cultivating a prosperous work environment for eager volunteers.

Schmidtmann was realistic about the fiscal and political issues affecting staff retention, knowing that salary disparity and housing needs are not just Nederland problems, but national ones, and he expressed his desire to build a strong foundation of well-trained and readily available lieutenants.

The matter of approving Schmidtmann as the new Fire Chief of the NFPD is expected to go before the Nederland Board of Trustees during their September 5, 2023, meeting, after which, if approved, the NFPD Board of Directors will swear Schmidtmann in during their meeting scheduled for September 20, 2023, at 7 p.m.

For more information go to: https:// www.nfpd.org.