Colorado State Fire Chiefs
Governor Hickenlooper Wildfire Briefing / May 7, 2019
Good Morning Governor Polis,
I am Chief Tom DeMint, representing the leadership of the more than 375 fire departments in Colorado….urban, suburban and rural. These fire departments have about 14,000 firefighters in Colorado…. career, combination and volunteers. These fire fighters protect the state’s economy, the state’s natural resources, the state’s critical infrastructure and our citizens and visitors.
While there is considerable discussion and appropriate concern about wildland fires, CSFC is even more concerned about the fires in the wildland-urban interface (WUI fires). WUI fires are the most concerning since they immediately involve structures and human lives.
Colorado’s municipal fire departments, fire authorities and fire protection districts are the first line of defense in keeping small fires small. Well dispersed, well trained firefighters are our best defense. The local fire departments are the state’s initial response plan….for both WUI and wildland fires.
We have three items for you this morning:
- Gallagher
- Fire Commission
- Mental Wellness of Firefighters
What is our ask of you today?
Three things:
- Find a long-term solution to the negative Gallagher/TABOR negative synergy and specifically the negative impact on fire protection districts
- Quickly implement the new Fire Commission
- Help us address the mental wellness of firefighters by supporting legislation to include mental wellness into the existing Heart & Cancer Trust
To read the full statement to Governor Polis, click here.
Photo above (Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera, Governor Jared Polis and Chief Tom DeMint). Also representing CSFC was Chief Brita Horn, CSFC Treasurer, Chief TJ Steck, CSFC Combination Section, Chief John Bennett, Telluride FPD and Chief Ken Gabrielson, Hudson Fire FPD
Critical Issues Briefing – June 26, 2019 / Grand Junction, CO
The Colorado State Fire Chiefs and Colorado Professional Fire Fighters are hosting the next Colorado Critical Issues Briefing in partnership with the Missouri Valley Division Annual Conference. The Conference will be held at the Two Rivers Convention Center in Grand Junction, CO, June 26 – 28, 2019. For more information, click here.
REGISTER NOW
*Special discount for those attending MVD conference – cost is $45 instead of $75
TOPICS
- Energy Drinks = Caffeine Addiction = Firefighter Safety Issue
- Getting Out of the Box to Fill Your Empty Seats with Volunteers
- Employer & Employee Increased Contributions Coming to FPPA
- Fire Deaths in Homes Are Worse Than 30 Years Ago….Why?
- Summer Wildland Fires Are Underway: What’s Still Going to Happen
- If You Build It, They Will Come: Building a Vibrant Volunteer Force with Excellent Training
- Emergency Notification of Citizens: If They Don’t Know, How Will They Know What to Do?
- How the ISO Helps Fire Departments Lower Insurance Rates
MVD Conference – June 26-28, 2019 / Grand Junction, CO
Every year the Missouri Valley Division of the IAFC comes together to offer education to fire service leaders. For three days you have the opportunity to build relationships, explore the latest topics in the fire service, and refocus your administrative mindset.
Fire Leadership Challenge
Fire Leadership Challenge is designed to help firefighters, company officers and chief officers get the training needed to excel and grow.
We’re currently finalizing the program, sessions and speakers so check back soon.
Make your plans now, Oct. 22-25, 2019 in Keystone, CO.
If you are planning fire service events, please email the event information to Michelle Biersner at michelle@cofirechiefs.org to be included on the website calendar of events.
News & Information
May 4 Marks the 6th Annual Wildfire Community Preparedness Day
Use these resources to increase awareness in your community:
About
The Colorado State Fire Chiefs provides leadership, education, and support to the Chief Officers of Colorado fire departments in order to promote the protection of life and property from fire, natural, and man-made disasters, and other sudden emergencies. Colorado State Fire Chiefs seeks primarily to further cooperation among Colorado’s fire and emergency services agencies; to provide fire and emergency services training and education to fire chiefs, officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel; and to promote life safety and public education in the areas of fire suppression, fire prevention, EMS, hazardous materials, emergency rescue, and all-hazards emergency management.
The CSFC is a Colorado nonprofit corporation and a registered federal 501(c)(3) organization.
Vision
The vision of the CSFC is to assist chief fire officers across the State of Colorado in their efforts to protect all of Colorado’s life and property from fire and other disasters. It is a dynamic organization, characterized by integrity, innovation, community focus, and proactive leadership. CSFC strives to build strategic alliances, mentor aspiring leaders, and advance the safety of all Colorado communities by supporting the professional development of the fire and emergency services industry through training and continuing education.
Community Action
Colorado State Fire Chiefs is committed to helping all of Colorado’s fire and emergency services providers support and serve their communities. Some of CSFC’s past and present projects include:
- Supporting public safety education events such as Annual West Metro Fire Rescue Family Fire Muster to help families learn about fire and life safety, and how to prepare for all types of emergencies
- Offering “classified” listings on the CSFC webpage to assist Colorado’s local fire and emergency service agencies to raise revenue and preserve taxpayer funds through the sale and purchase of used equipment and apparatus.
- Supporting the Colorado’s special district elected officials and administrators regarding successful fire and emergency services management, and to facilitate coordination and communication between various branches of local government.
Executive Board
The Board of Directors of the Colorado Fire Chiefs’ manages the routine affairs of the Association and acts on behalf of the Association when the general membership is unable to meet. The Board of Directors consists of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Regional Representatives, and Section Representatives (one representative for each of the sections created by the Constitution and Bylaws).
The CSFC is a Colorado nonprofit corporation and a registered federal 501(c)(3) organization.