Sharla Steinman
Loveland Reporter-Herald, Colo.
LOVELAND, Colo. — Loveland firefighters have begun internally circulating a letter of no confidence toward the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority Board as a symbol of support for the organization’s fire chief, who was placed on administrative leave by the board Wednesday.
Loveland Fire Rescue Authority Chief Tim Sendelbach was placed on administrative leave after a regularly scheduled board meeting Wednesday. During the meeting, a closed session took place, and Loveland Rural Fire Protection District Board Chairman Jeff Swanty and Loveland City Manager Jim Thompson were appointed to a two-member committee to handle a personnel issue.
They have not publicly explained why he was placed on leave.
Before the session, many members from the department spoke during public comment in support of Sendelbach and advocated for discussions on the department’s funding.
Mayor Pat McFall, who also serves on the agency’s board, said the decision to place Sendelbach on leave wasn’t sudden and that disagreements over governance and funding have been visible in public meetings. He noted a long-standing tension over the authority’s 80% to 20% funding split between the city and the rural district.
Loveland fire chief placed on administrative leave
Fire Marshal and Assistant Chief Carie Dann said the letter, which she believes will be heavily supported by staff, will show the community that the fire department is against the board’s decision to place the chief on leave.
“It’s a message to the public, basically, that if they (the board) continue with what they have started, that we will have no confidence in our governing board,” she said, adding that although the letter itself will not force any board members out, it will be a symbolic gesture.
She said similar letters are often used in the fire service, but usually from staff to their chief. She believes the letter will send a strong message to the board.
“We are not going in a good direction and we need to turn this around, Dann said, adding that she hopes the letter inspires the board to reinstate the chief.
Dann said the letter will continue to circulate among staff members over the weekend, gaining signatures, and will be publicly shared soon. She added that she believes it is an important documentation of how employees feel about the board’s decision to place the chief on leave.
“This is really our fire department, and yes they are our governing body, but their decisions have a significant impact on us,” Dann said. “ ... There’s plenty of organizations that need to jettison their leadership. This is not one of them.”
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