Brandy Hale, Gilpin County.

The Timberline Fire District Board met on Wednesday February 21, 2018 to discuss

personnel, equipment, facilities and administration topics, progress and issues. The district

responded to 41 calls in January but is happy to be bringing in 15 new people to join the all-

volunteer operation. These new volunteers are certified as FF1, a state-wide standard in

training and testing (with both a written and physical requirement) that is the same for both

volunteer and career firefighters.

Regarding equipment, the T53, a firetruck that can carry 2,000 gallons of water to an

emergency, had a $7000 pump replaced, and the B52, a wildfire only vehicle with 4WD, higher

ground clearance and smaller size for maneuverability, is being outfitted for deployment to

other wildland fire districts in the country. These deployments offer the volunteers 2 weeks of

wildfire mitigation experience and keep the district prepared for local emergencies.

On the topic of facilities, indoor and outdoor painting will be completed soon for stations 1,

7 and 9, and a generator will be installed for station 4. Prospects for land to build another

station in Rollinsville need scouting, and it was decided to create a committee to look at 3

possible lots. Board members Dale Sternlight and Carol Tucker volunteered for the committee,

while firefighters who are aware of the land requirements of a new station will be chosen over

the next couple of weeks.

The first issue discussed concerning administration was the unsuccessful application to the

Alan Greene Memorial Foundation, a non-profit that benefits Gilpin County residents and

organizations. Second was the proposal of working towards a Gallagherization election that

would allow an increase of the mill levy within the district to offset a potential loss of funding

from a miss-match in property taxes and district budget. Next was discussion of a new grant

application submitted by Chief Paul Ondr that would cover the cost of 45 sets of bunker gear,

the full set of fireproof clothing and accessories that protect volunteers in fires. Each set costs

about $3000, and each year the district needs to replace 3-5 sets as they become too

dangerous to use, with the sets lasting for about 10 years. Hopes that the grant comes through

are very high, as there is no other plan currently in place to come up with the funds to purchase

all required sets. Happily, Gilpin Ambulance donated some bunker gear, but 13 sets were

ordered the week of the meeting, costing $26,000 of the $30,000 budgeted for the year.

Of special note was the donation of two full sets of extraction equipment, also known as

Jaws of Life, by the South Adams County Fire Department. The donation is greatly appreciated

and provides the District with updated hydraulically powered cutters, spreaders and jacks that

can help in the rescue of accident victims. The entire board was extremely grateful for the

equipment, which is valued at $60,000-$80,000.