GILPIN COUNTY — The Timberline Fire Protection District board meeting on February 10 began a little differently than usual.

Community Service Award recipients stand with Timberline Fire personnel during the February 10 ceremony. From left: Kelly Ryan, Eric Kennedy, Marissa Chabai, and Nick Kauffman. Seated at right are Gilpin County Undersheriff Greg Demo and Commissioner Sandy Hollingsworth, who attended to recognize the honorees’ contributions.

Photo by Mindy Leary

Before moving into budgets, construction updates, or operational reports, the board and others gathered to recognize something special—the heroic actions of residents whose quick decisions during emergencies helped prevent tragedy.

The room filled up with people. That alone made the night feel different from a typical board meeting. 

Among those in attendance were Gilpin County Commissioner Sandy Hollingsworth, Undersheriff Greg Demo, and County Manager Ray Rears, who joined firefighters and community members in honoring the award recipients for their bravery in the face of danger. 

Many came simply to say thank you. The dangerous situations included multiple fires sparked during a historic wind event and a dramatic rescue high on Rollins Pass. 

Residents stepping up during the windstorm

Chief Paul Ondr and Division Chief Chris Schimanskey introduced the awards by reflecting on the December 2025 windstorm, which toppled trees and powerlines across the Peak to Peak region and created dangerous conditions when those lines were reenergized.

On December 19, two separate wildland fires ignited almost simultaneously.

One broke out on Geranium Way near the Wedgwood area, where downed trees contacted power lines. Chief Paul Ondr joked that Geranium Way is one of those roads you can see on the map, but proves difficult to locate.

Residents Marissa Chabai, Nick Kauffman, and Raven Overman had seen the fire while clearing fallen trees in the neighborhood. They grabbed hand tools and fire extinguishers to slow the spread of flames. They called 911 and guided firefighters to the scene when they arrived in the area.

The steep terrain and tucked-away homes can make access difficult, but their early intervention gave crews valuable time. Because of their actions, Timberline firefighters were able to quickly contain and extinguish the fire.

At nearly the same time, another fire ignited along approximately the 1000 block of Highway 72, a corridor known for heavy tree cover and limited access points. 

Eric Kennedy and Kelly Ryan spotted smoke, called 911, and began using hand tools to contain the fire. Kennedy joked that there was not much snow to extinguish the fire, so he decided to try nearby dirt. As he struggled, emergency response arrived. They guided crews directly to the location.

Division Chief Chris Schimanskey (left) presents a Community Service Award to Eric Kennedy as Kelly Ryan looks on during the Timberline Fire Protection District board meeting on February 10. The awards recognized residents who helped slow wildland fires during the December windstorm before crews arrived.

Photo by Mindy Leary

Again, firefighters credited those early efforts with preventing the fire from growing into something far more dangerous.

Ondr said the winds during the event created extreme conditions and that early action by residents made a significant difference.

A rescue above treeline

A second award recognized an act of individual heroism that took place two months earlier near Yankee Doodle Lake, high along Rollins Pass.

On October 19, just before dusk and as a cold weather front approached, a UTV crashed into the alpine lake. The two occupants managed to escape the submerged vehicle but were soaked and exposed to the elements. It began to snow.

Winfield Greene happened to be riding his dirt bike on Rollins Pass. Schimanskey said, "He was the last person up there that night." He came upon the two who had been recreating in the area (obviously not from here). He said, "They were soaking wet. Their cell phones were not working."

Greene moved the individuals to a safer location, provided them with his personal cold-weather gear, and helped stabilize them despite rapidly deteriorating conditions. Although he lacked cell service, he activated a satellite SOS signal to initiate rescue efforts.

He then rode down the rugged Rollins Pass road. Along the way, he convinced another driver to return to the scene so the stranded individuals could shelter in a warm vehicle. He continued descending in only a T-shirt and jeans through frigid temps. He finally reached cell service and later helped guide responding crews back up the pass.

Fire officials said his actions likely saved lives. 

Greene said the recognition felt like a full-circle moment, praising Timberline crews for their professionalism, clear communication, and focus on safety during the rescue.

Winfield Greene receives recognition from Timberline Fire Protection District for his actions during an October rescue near Yankee Doodle Lake on Rollins Pass, where his quick response helped stabilize two individuals after a UTV crashed into the alpine lake.

Photo by Mindy Leary

Thank you for your heroism, firefighters AND community members!

Challenge coins awarded

Each recipient received a certificate and a “challenge coin,” a tradition within the fire service. According to Schimanskey, when presented to civilians, the coin represents honorary membership within the fire service family. This recognition is reserved for extraordinary acts that directly support life-saving missions.

The presentation drew strong applause from the audience, as firefighters, county leadership, and residents gathered for photos and informal conversation after the ceremony.

Back to business

Following the ceremony, the board approved routine agenda items, including January meeting minutes and financials, renewed a lease agreement with the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control for Station 4 in Black Hawk, and scheduled a planning workshop for March 7.

Ondr reported that construction on Station 3 continues to move forward despite minor delays. These include adjustments related to CDOT right-of-way requirements and the replacement of incorrectly delivered bay doors.

The district responded to 63 calls in January. Mitigation work continues following the historic and horrific windstorm. Ondr reported that they are preparing to onboard approximately 20 new volunteers from a pool of nearly 60 applicants.

This board meeting stood out for several reasons. The full circle of bravery to recognition cemented lasting bonds in the community. It reminded everyone that in the mountains, where distance, terrain, and conditions can challenge response times, the first line of defense is often a neighbor willing to act.

Division Chief Chris Schimanskey (far left) and Chief Paul Ondr (far right) stand with Community Service Award recipients during a recognition ceremony at Timberline Fire Protection District. The citizens were honored for assisting firefighters during emergency incidents in October and December 2025.

Photo by Mindy Leary

On page 1 of our February 19 issue, the bottom photograph of a Community Service Award presentation features Timberline Chief Paul Ondr, not Division Chief Chris Schimanskey. Our apologies to both gentlemen.