by Carol Stevens
GARDNER- The Upper Huerfano Fire Protection District (UHFPD) met Wed. June 11. The district fire board has obtained an attorney to help resolve recent issues regarding the suspensions of Assistant Fire Chief Joe Albano, and volunteer firefighter Ruth Albano.
The board briefly discussed regular business, and Chief Ken McArthur reported the volunteers are planning another open house for July. Volunteer firefighters Brian Sharp, Buzz Deardorff and Ken McArthur are also national and Colorado State certified EMTs and work through the Huerfano County ambulance service. Sharp is in the final phase of his paramedic internship, while Deardorff and McArthur are finishing their IV class.
Chief McArthur was happy to report there are three new recruits for the department: Norman Pfaffenhauser, Mike Valerio and Yolanda Valerio.
The chief’s report showed all vehicles are available for service, except one, which is out for repairs.
The department was active in several ways for the month. Three members responded to one medical call as Huerfano County ambulance volunteers. Nine members attended brush truck pump operation training and vehicle maintenance. Building clean up and grounds maintenance netted six participating members, with Elizabeth and Breanna Cupps volunteering to help. Five members assisted in a search and rescue call.
The district was awarded a $3,000 grant for wild land fire training from the Department of Interior Rural Fire Assistance. The department is still waiting for a response on its grant application to the Centura Health AED.
The board briefly listened to comments regarding the special meeting last May 29. The board then went into executive session with council present, with no action taken.
