The Nederland Fire Protection District (NFPD) Board of Directors met on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, to vote on whether the District should purchase a new brush truck. The Board was also updated on the recent increase in the number of reports of illegal campfires in the area.
The NFPD Board were tasked with providing Chief Charlie Schmidtmann guidance regarding the purchase of a new brush truck, to be used specifically for wildland fires as they can carry up to 1,500 gallons of water. Schmidtmann provided Board members with five different quotes on several suitable models, ranging from $71,500 to $84,309.
A motion was made to authorize Schmidtmann to purchase a RAM 5500 outfitted for use as a brush truck from Christopher’s Dodge World for $71,500.
Chief Schmidtmann presented his report covering all calls of significance, vehicle and station repairs, and staff training that have occurred since the middle of June.
The NFPD responded to an individual out in the Caribou area suffering a stroke, and another individual on Fourth of July trails who was experiencing a shortness of breath. Also, at the Fourth of July trailhead, crews responded to a dog locked in a car.
Two construction workers were hit-and-run victims, purposely struck by drivers while working traffic control along the highway. The first victim was not injured enough to be transported to the hospital, while the second victim, who suffered minor injuries, refused transport.
NFPD firefighters assisted Timberline Fire Protection District on a wildland fire; Schmidtmann reported that the fire was contained quickly. It was also reported that firefighters have responded to “lots” of calls of illegal campfires since a stage one fire restriction was enacted on July 1, 2024.
Schmidtmann reported that he and firefighter Max Schmidtmann participated as safety officials for the NedGravel cycling event that took place in Nederland and throughout the Peak to Peak area on Saturday, July 13. Each led stretches of each race on motorcycles.
There were two total calls of significance made during NedGravel, including an incident where Max Schmidtmann assisted Indian Peaks Fire Protection District.
The NFPD received 27 brand new radios, paid for with grant funds to replace outdated equipment. Seven radios were traded in, which resulted in a credit of nearly $5,000, which covers the cost of one new radio.
The NFPD recently replaced the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) compressor at the 650 West 4th Street station. Though installation of the new compressor awaits the delivery of an inverter, the old compressor was sold for $4,000.
Chief Schmidtmann’s report highlighted the NFPD’s involvement in the Town of Nederland’s Fourth of July parade and barbeque. Five of the NFPD’s vehicles participated in the parade. The NFPD supplied food and activities for the barbecue hosted at Chipeta Park, which saw up to 65 attendees, including deputies from Boulder County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), firefighters from Sugarloaf Fire Protection District, and members of the Boulder County Fire Management Team and U.S. Forest Service.
Three NFD firefighters, Mandi and Scott Papich and Bobby Swanson, were promoted to Lieutenant Candidates. The NFPD has received applications from six individuals interested in becoming volunteers; these applicants will be subject to background checks and interviews.
It was reported that, as of July 1, members of the NFPD have participated in a total of 1059 documented training hours. Schmidtmann added that the NFPD provided training for child abuse cases, drafting, first arrival procedures, and ventilation.
Fire Marshal Andrew Joslin’s report for late June/early July detailed the work being done to implement his processes into the District’s adopted fire and EMS software, First Due. All of Joslin’s business and permit inspections are managed through First Due, which has streamlined the process. Joslin reports that permitting has been busy, so much so that he is averaging two permits processed every day.
The NFPD is also working with BCSO and First Due to implement Computer Aided Dispatch data into the First Due program, which would expedite the process of completing incident reports.
Joslin also reported that printing detailed maps for a wildland planning manual has been delayed due to issues that required $780 worth of additional edits from the fire management nonprofit Ember Alliance.
The Board began finalizing the process of switching banks by voting to remove the permissions of past signatories. Board members were also informed that in order to complete the process with Citywide Bank, all members will need to provide proof of identification in person at the Boulder branch at the same time.
Board members also discussed an upcoming evaluation of Chief Schmidtmann’s performance, which includes a survey of NFPD members to assess the Chief’s performance as a member. Results from the survey will be discussed in an executive session during their next meeting on August 21, with the Chief’s evaluation to take place in September.
The Nederland Fire Protection District Board of Directors meets on the third Wednesday of every month. Meetings can be attended online via Microsoft Teams. Their next meeting will be on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 7 p.m. For more information go to: https://www.nfpd.org.
