At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, the Nederland Fire Protection District (NFPD) held their regular board meeting remotely. Board President and Chairperson Ian Irwin-Powell, Vice President Guy Falsetti and Treasurer Todd Wieseler attended the meeting, along with Chief Scott, directors Jess McElvain and Russ Panneton.

The Treasurer’s report was presented and the main focus of concern was around budget requirements for vehicle maintenance and replacement, as well as the imminent price increase of 7.0% to 7.5% on all new apparatus orders by the Front Range Fire Apparatus. The Board revisited the status of the current budget and its inability to support a vehicle replacement program. Options to make the purchase of a Pierce Saber 4x4 Engine were discussed and the department has a 15 year loan approval letter for the full amount of $742,141.

Building maintenance was another issue discussed pertaining to budgetary needs. The three NFPD buildings are in need of several updates, including possible window and roof replacements and some bathroom restorations, as the current toilet in one of the stations is non-operational. Most critically, a new phone system will need to be purchased due to the multiple failures that happened recently.

Chief Scott’s report focused heavily on the Marshall Fire repercussions for the community, especially NFPD’s attempt to require wildfire mitigation plans for all new residences and commercial buildings in Nederland. He also announced that, according to previous board conversation surrounding fundraising, they are selling two of the used vehicles (5604 and 5620).

Regarding special projects and events, the fire chief reported his plan to create a strong mission statement clear to the public and gave special thanks to Guy Falsetti, theater staff, and the Nederland Community Center that organized the Badge Pinning Ceremony in the beginning of April

Moreover, the department has successfully completed gas emergency response training and urban interface wildland response training in March. The software Vector Solutions, purchased earlier this year, has been a positive aid to the department in identifying gaps and implementing training programs to firefighters and paramedics.

Finally, there are open part-time and PRN paramedics and firefighters/ paramedics positions at the Department. Interested individuals can find the positions on the website.

The upcoming events that demand the department’s attention include the May 7 Wildfire Awareness event, June 4 Town Clean-up Day, July 4 Independence Day parade and possible other events, July 9 Ned Gravel Bike Race and the town’s farmers market occurring on alternate Sundays throughout the summer.

The next board meeting for the Nederland Fire Protection District is May 18 at 7 p.m. For more information go to the NFPD website at www.nfpd.org.