“In recognition of his actions, Timberline presented him with a TFPD challenge coin and provided a replacement fire extinguisher. Challenge coins are a long-standing fire service tradition used to honor bravery, mark achievements, and commemorate significant events."”

Noah Topia

GILPIN COUNTY - The Timberline Fire Protection District held its regular Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at about 8:30 p.m., following a district-wide “all-hands” meeting. 

Board members present included President Rick Wenzel (by phone), Vice Chairman John Bushey, Members at Large John Carder, Mary Kate McKenna, and Kristin Turner.

Also in attendance were Fire Chief Paul Ondr and Administrative Chief Jennifer Hinderman.

Bushey led the meeting. After the pledge and roll call, he read a letter of thanks from TFPD recognizing resident Noah Topia for stepping in during a structure fire at Base Camp on Highway 46 two days before the meeting. 

“On September 9, 2025, Timberline Fire Protection District was dispatched to a reported structure fire at Base Camp on Highway 46.

“Before crews arrived, local resident Noah Topia acted quickly, using a personal fire extinguisher to put out the flames. Fire officials said Topia’s swift response likely prevented the fire from becoming a much larger incident.

“In recognition of his actions, Timberline presented him with a TFPD challenge coin and provided a replacement fire extinguisher. Challenge coins are a long-standing fire service tradition used to honor bravery, mark achievements, and commemorate significant events,” the letter stated.

Black Hats awarded

Chief Ondr then presented black hats, or helmets, to Nouh Lahoud and Halcy Webster, explaining that this achievement requires passing multiple certifications. “Medical certification, either EMR or EMT. Wildland certification and structure fire certification. And hazmat. So they’ve got what we call a degree,” Ondr said. 

He added, “Not too often do we seem to get people to the Black Helmet status. So tonight, I’m excited to announce that we have two people that have made it to Black Helmet, both in-district volunteers, both right smack in the middle of the district. So they do actually run a lot of calls. This is awesome.”

Pension Board recommendation

The meeting shifted into the Pension Board of Trustees, joined by retirees Clay Bosworth and Chris Schimanskey. 

Discussion centered on the actuarial study, which showed the plan is now about 81 percent funded, down from 90 percent in the prior study, and the unfunded liability has nearly doubled, from $174,000 to $357,000.

Schimanskey recommended continuing contributions to secure the full state match. “At the very least, I think we should continue the same contribution, with the goal of obtaining the maximum state match,” he said.

After some talk, the board amended its motion and voted 6 – 1 to recommend contributing $32,000 to the fund next year. Wenzel cast the lone opposing vote.

Remembering September 11

During public comment, McKenna asked the board to pause and reflect on the day’s significance. “Let’s commemorate all of the fallen people and first responders and firefighters that fought September 11th because it’s important,” she said. A moment of silence followed.

Health insurance changes

Hinderman presented options for employee health coverage, saying costs have risen 17 percent, with last year’s expense being about $121,000.

She recommended an 85/15 split for employee coverage, with the district paying half the cost for dependents.

Wenzel moved to adopt that model, setting the district’s 2026 cost at $134,291. McKenna seconded, and the board unanimously approved.

Capital projects

Ondr updated the board on the Station 3 bay addition, saying excavation has proven challenging. “There’s a jackhammer out there. The hole’s getting bigger. It’ll be bigger next week,” he said. Work continues with some delays tied to rock conditions.

Chief’s report

The chief reported 86 calls in August, including two structure fires, multiple serious medical calls requiring helicopter transport, and two auto accidents with extrication. 

Brush 59 has redeployed to Northern California for wildland fire support, while local mitigation projects are underway along Dory Hill and in Porter Ranch. 

The district has also applied for an $800,000 Natural Disaster Mitigation Enterprise grant to help fund staffing and a new chipper.

Eleven new recruits are set to begin onboarding on September 27, with additional classes scheduled through October.

The board adjourned at 9:42 p.m. 

The next regular meeting is scheduled for October 8, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Station 3, 19126 Highway 119, Black Hawk.