AURORA, Colo. — Two Aurora Fire Rescue members, a lieutenant and an engineer, have been demoted following an incident in February involving a marked police vehicle.
According to disciplinary documents obtained by CBS Colorado, the firefighters used the engine’s spotlight to illuminate an Aurora police officer’s patrol car and moved into the officer’s lane, prompting the officer to swerve onto the shoulder to avoid a collision. No injuries or vehicle damage were reported.
The incident occurred on Feb. 25 near the city’s south satellite facilities. Surveillance video reportedly captured the interaction, but city officials have declined to release the footage or related reports, citing personnel privacy.
In a written statement, Aurora Fire Chief Alec Oughton described the leadership team as “alarmed” by the firefighters’ actions, emphasizing the department’s commitment to safety and professionalism.
“We take matters like these seriously,” Oughton said in the statement. He also noted that any deviation from Aurora Fire Rescue’s policies and standards “will not be tolerated and will be swiftly addressed, as was done here.”
The disciplinary orders, dated May 19, confirmed that both Engineer Ryan Endly and Lt. John Casessa’s conduct violated multiple department policies. Endly admitted his actions were wrong, and both he and Casessa acknowledged their behavior created unnecessary risk for their crew and their partners at the Aurora Police Department. Investigators cited “poor judgment and lack of professionalism” and said neither firefighter offered a compelling explanation for their actions, according to CBS Colorado.
Both have been demoted to the rank of firefighter/medic and have since been transferred out of their previous station assignments, according to CBS Colorado. As of this writing, both Casessa and Endly are appealing their demotions.
According CBS Colorado’s review of state criminal records, no criminal charges have been filed in connection with the incident.
