YOUR AD HERE »

Eagle Fire seeks two new board members

EAGLE — It’s no secret the Greater Eagle Fire Protection District is in a state of flux, and now its board of directors is looking for two new members.

The two vacancies were created by the resignations of board members Alex Mintling and Ted Webber. The district is now seeking candidates interested in appointment to the board for terms that will last until the May election in 2016.

“It is a time of change for the Greater Eagle Fire Protection District,” said board of directors president Mikel “Pappy” Kerst. “The end goal is to determine how Greater Eagle Fire can move forward into the next century.”



Over the past few years the district has seen fire chief and other changes and earlier this month, the organization hosted a community meeting to discuss its functions and organization with an eye toward improvement.

“The fire district is in the process of hiring a new fire chief and has hired ESCI consultants to help with that process and to provide a study evaluating the district’s organization and cooperation with neighboring emergency agencies,” said acting Chief Tom Wagenlander. Wagenlander plans to retire from fire service in early 2016.

Support Local Journalism



“The Greater Eagle Fire Protection District is proud to be comprised of both paid and volunteer fire fighters providing excellent service to our area. In addition to emergency and fire services, they are committed to community events and charitable causes,” Wagenlander said. “This is a very key opportunity for the citizen board to have a positive effect on an organization that is in transition. We are looking for interested citizens with strong personal experience with organizations in transition and with budgets. Experience fighting fires is not required.”

Kerst echoed the theme than previous board experience will be an asset for potential candidates. “Being on the board is not just about going to meetings,” he said.

The appointment terms will last until the next regular special district board election in May of 2016. If the appointment members are interested in continuing their service with the board, then they must run for election at that time.

Serving Huge Area

The Greater Eagle Fire Protection District serves approximately 190 square miles which includes the towns of Eagle, Fulford, sections of Wolcott and Gypsum providing fire, emergency medical, hazardous materials and rescue services.

In addition to serving the populated town areas, the Greater Eagle Fire Protection District also serves the outlying forest and wilderness areas. Because of the diverse mountain environment, the fire department provides service for wildland fires and a variety of rescue missions, including ice rescue, swift water rescue and mountain rescue.

To qualify as a board member for the Greater Eagle Fire Protection District, candidates must be registered to vote in Colorado and be either a resident of the special district or a person who, or whose spouse or civil union partner, owns taxable real or personal property situated within the boundaries of the district, whether such person resides within the district or not. A person who is obligated to pay taxes under a contract to purchase taxable property situated within the boundaries of the district shall be considered an owner under the statute, although special rules may apply when qualifying a director in this fashion.

Board meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month, in the evening, at the Great Eagle Fire Protection District Station 9.

To apply send a biography and proof of qualifications to Greater Eagle Fire Protection District via certified mail to P.O. Box 961, Eagle, CO 81631; email to klawn@gefpd.org; or in person to Kathy Lawn at 425 E. 3rd St., Eagle CO 81631; no later than 5 p.m. on Oct. 7.


Support Local Journalism