Critical Issues Briefings are held in locations around the state to address the most important topics impacting fire service leaders. Subject matter experts present on a variety of topics and share information you need you to know.

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February 2, 2026 - One Day, Two Events
Colorado Critical Issues Briefing & Legislative Reception
Critical Issues Briefing - The Art Hotel Denver - 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Legislative Reception - Stoney’s Bar & Grill - 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

The Art Hotel is offering $8 event parking.

1:30pm - 1:40pm
Welcome

1:40pm - 2:10pm
Creating AI Policy: Setting Guidelines Now for Longterm Success in Your Department – Oren Bersagel-Briese, Deputy Chief of Operations, Castle Rock Fire Department 

2:10pm - 2:40pm
Lithium-ion Fires: What We Know, What We Are Learning, What We Need – Scott Richardson, Division Chief, South Metro Fire Rescue 

2:40pm - 2:50pm
State Fire Chief Associations - Networking and Learning – Ken Watkins, Executive Director, CSFC

2:50pm - 3:20pm
Xcel Energy: Wildfire Mitigation for our Colorado Communities – Tiernan Doyle and Lyle Moore, Xcel Energy Community Resilience Managers 

3:20pm - 3:30pm
Break

3:30pm - 3:45pm
Line of Duty Funeral - Are You Prepared? – Rachael Nelson, Coordinator, Colorado LAST and NFFF Teams

3:45pm - 4:00pm
Everyone Goes Home - Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives Update – Chuck Altvater, CRR & Education Branch Chief, Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control

4:00pm - 4:30pm
Marijuana Use Policy - Coming to a Fire Department Near You – Desmond Fulton, Fire Chief, Denver Fire Department 

4:30pm - 4:40pm
Wrap Up & Adjourn

5:00pm - 7:00pm
Colorado Fire Service Reception 
Stoney’s Bar and Grill

**Bring a Company Officer with you at no cost! This is an amazing opportunity to get your future leaders involved. Enter discount code: CompanyOfficer for their free registration.