By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• A majority of firefighters in Loveland, Colorado, signed a letter expressing no confidence in the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority Board after the fire chief was placed on administrative leave.
• The letter criticizes the board’s actions and affirms staff support for Fire Chief Tim Sendelbach.
• Firefighters and staff said they believe the board is not acting in the best interests of the community or personnel.
• The board placed Sendelbach on leave following a closed-door session; no explanation has been publicly provided.
LOVELAND, CO — A majority of firefighters and staff with the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority have signed a letter expressing no confidence in the authority’s governing board after Loveland Fire Rescue Authority Chief Tim Sendelbach was placed on administrative leave last week, according to department representatives.
The letter circulated among personnel and garnered signatures from more than 75% of the department, Lt. Tyler Austin said in a statement, signaling broad internal support for Sendelbach and disapproval of the board’s actions.
Firefighters and staff said in the letter that they no longer believe the current board is acting in the best interests of the community, their colleagues or emergency personnel, and urged leaders to listen to the voices of those who serve on the front lines.
The Loveland Firefighters IAFF Local 3566 union also issued a statement backing the chief and calling for a fair and transparent process that prioritizes safety and support for both the fire authority and the community.
The authority board placed Sendelbach on leave following a regularly scheduled meeting that included a closed session. The board has not publicly detailed the reason for the leave or any investigation into the matter, and efforts to reach board representatives for comment were unanswered.