Jacqueline Hart, Gilpin County.   At the Timberline Fire Protection District regular meeting on November 13, 2018, a vote was conducted to choose a new member to the Board of Directors. Three applications were received from individuals in the community. The candidates included; Chris Gray, Roy Stewart and Richard Wenzel. Wenzel was unable to attend the meeting and did inform the board of his absence beforehand.

Chris Gray is a current volunteer firefighter at Timberline, a former firefighter for Golden Gate Fire Protection. Gray also has 10 years of experience with EMS. He stated he was interested in applying his experience and perspective in service to the board, and the community that the board serves.

Roy Stewart recognized Gray’s outstanding service as a volunteer. When asked what he would bring to the board of directors, Stewart responded by sharing his many years as a business owner and his abilities to analyze details. He stated that he understands the complications and solutions necessary to allow a large business with many employees to function well. Stewart shared a close connection with the community TFPD serves and a great respect for Timberline.

Further discussion revealed the board’s concern as to how the Gilpin community would respond to a board populated with firefighters. Currently there is one firefighter, President Chip Smith, on this board which totals four members. Carol Tucker, treasurer for the board, also shared with the candidates her hope that members will interact more with both the community and the firefighters. President Smith acknowledged the time commitment required to serve on the TFPD Board and his appreciation for the commitment current members have shown. Tucker informed the candidates the board’s role is to advise, without attempting to run, Timberline Fire.

Both candidates were asked if they would be willing to share opinions with the board if chosen. Stewart replied, “Of course. Hopefully I’m not bullheaded about it.” Gray agreed to share his opinions and added he would do so, “tactfully.” Board members Smith and Tucker shared the fact that there is currently a great working relationship within the board and with Chief Ondr, who attends meetings representing the TFPD, not at as a member. The board explained they would like the harmonious relationship they now enjoy, to continue. They do not always agree, but disagreements are deliberated thoughtfully.

Roy Stewart was unanimously voted in as the newest director during new business. Chris Gray was thanked by all the directors for his hard work and service. Gray will continue as a volunteer firefighter for TFPD. Stewart accepted his position with humility aligned with the respect for TFPD he had previously conveyed. Stewart was ceremoniously sworn in and invited to observe the rest of the meeting from the director’s table. He will be officially sworn in prior to the next meeting. Stewart’s partner in business and in life, Barbara Stewart, later reported she was “Very proud of him.”

TFPD Regular Meeting

The remainder of the board’s business was conducted at the regular meeting, beginning at 7 p.m. The meeting commenced with a call to order by President Smith, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for fallen firefighters, police officers, and rescue workers. Smith also asked for an extended moment of silence for the TFPD and Nederland firefighters deployed to the California fire, and to honor the memory and loss of Barbra Lawlor.

A review of election results showed Issue A passed with almost 75 percent approval from voters. Carol Tucker was recognized for her hard work leading the Issue Committee. Smith thanked Chief Ondr and Jennifer Hinderman for the many phone calls from the public they answered, and the many volunteers who gave of their time for the community throughout the election process. Ondr spoke to the support 911 callers inspire by facilitating needed assistance at all hours of the day and night and how this adds to the overall feeling of goodwill toward the department.

Other Business

Chief Ondr’s report included the introduction of Mike Kiel who will serve as engine boss to the department as a part time employee. Kiel has 17 years of experience in fire service. An engine boss is required whenever TFPD equipment and firefighters are deployed. Timberline enjoys a good working relationship with neighboring fire protection districts, who have lent an engine boss to TFPD when needed. TFPD growth has introduced the need for an engine boss on site.

TFPD responded to 55 calls in October. For the year to date there have been 8 deployments to 5 fires. A synopsis of wildland deployments will be available for the meeting in December. A training for 13 new volunteers will begin on November 17, 2018.

Administration

An AFG grant for 17 sets of bunker gear has been submitted. Total cost for gear is $51,000 and if the grant is awarded TFPD’s share would be $2428. A joint AFG grant with Golden Gate fire for dual band radios was also submitted. The total cost for 65 portables, 5 base radios and 20 mobile radios is $834,573.

Holiday Dinner to thank TFPD volunteers is scheduled for December 6.
The date for the upcoming budget workshop was confirmed for Wednesday, December 5.

For more information about TFPD go to www.colorado.gov/timberlinefire , TimberlineFPD on Facebook, or call the TFPD office at 303-582-5768.
Members of the community are invited to attend board meetings to observe or ask questions.

The next TFPD board meeting is December 12, 2018 at 7 p.m. at Station #5 on Hwy 119.

(Originally published in the November 22, 2018, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)