By Sharla Steinman
Loveland Reporter-Herald
LOVELAND, Colo. — A majority of Loveland’s firefighters signed a letter indicating their lack of confidence in the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority Board after the agency’s fire chief was placed on administrative leave last week, a lieutenant said Monday.
Loveland Fire Rescue Authority Chief Tim Sendelbach was placed on administrative leave Wednesday after a regularly scheduled board meeting. 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 personnel committee.
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The board has not publicly explained why he was placed on leave, but Swanty confirmed Monday afternoon that Sendelbach was still on leave.
Firefighters unite in no confidence letter to Loveland Fire Rescue Authority Board after chief was placed on leave
The letter declaring the department’s lack of confidence in the board that circulated among the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority over the weekend gained signatures from more than 75% of staff, said Lt. Tyler Austin in an emailed statement.
“This overwhelming response demonstrates the strong support our firefighters and staff have for Chief Sendelbach and sends a clear message to both the Board and the community we proudly serve: the LFRA membership stands united behind our leadership,” Austin wrote.
He added that the agency remains committed to the Loveland community and providing emergency services without interruptions.
“The LFRA membership, firefighters, and staff stand united as one,” he wrote. “ … We, the members of the LFRA, no longer believe the current Board is acting in the best interests of our community, our firefighters, or our staff. We urge the Board to listen to the voices of those who risk their lives every day to protect Loveland and surrounding areas.”
Austin said the letter will continue to circulate through the department.
The union that represents many of Loveland firefighters said they also remain committed to the chief.
Craig Willard, president of Loveland Firefighters IAFF Local 3566, said in an emailed statement that the union doesn’t believe the actions taken by the board align with the values of supporting firefighters and making public safety the top priority.
“We encourage the Loveland Fire and Rescue Authority Board to provide a fair and transparent process that prioritizes safety and supports the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority, the Loveland Firefighters, and the community we serve,” he wrote.
The Loveland Reporter-Herald has made multiple unanswered efforts to the law firm representing the authority board, Ireland Stapleton Pryor & Pascoe, P.C., to get information on the process behind the termination of a Loveland fire chief.
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