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Colo. fire chief resigns after responding to EMS calls with expired certification

Records show the chief performed intubation and administered IVs, while unlicensed, while his son conducted CPR and ventilation without a valid EMT license

RYE, Colo. — The Rye Fire Protection District chief is stepping down after the state ordered him to stop responding to medical calls due to an expired paramedic license.

Chief Steven Bennett was barred from handling medical emergencies in December after an investigation revealed he had responded to at least 294 medical calls despite his state paramedic license expiring in 2019, KKTV reported.

His son, Reese Bennett, a lieutenant with the fire protection district, also responded to 194 calls while his EMT license was expired for nearly two years between 2023 and 2024, according to agency records.

Documents indicate that Chief Bennett performed critical medical procedures, including intubation, intraosseous access and administering medications and IVs, while unlicensed. Records also show Reese Bennett placed at least one patient on ventilation, performed CPR and administered IVs despite his expired credentials.

He is currently under probationary status following an investigation by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, with the Colorado Medicaid Fraud Unit also involved in the case.

Compounding the department’s troubles, RFPD faces a federal lawsuit from multiple staff members alleging unpaid overtime, retaliation and wrongful termination.

The ongoing investigations and legal challenges raise serious concerns about the leadership and operations of the Rye Fire Protection District as officials work to address these issues.

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.