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.
