The Rye Fire Protection District’s (RFPD) ambulance was involved in a fender bender during a recent February snowstorm that could have been so much worse. RFPD personnel was answering a call regarding a car that had slid into the guard rail on Interstate 25 at Greenhorn Hill. As they pulled close to the damaged vehicle to assist, the ambulance driver happened to glance in the rearview and a semi-truck was coming straight for them. With quick thinking, the driver pulled as far to the shoulder as possible, lessening most of the unavoidable accident. The truck did clip the ambulance on the left rear corner, causing enough damage that the crew had to use equipment to get the doors open. Thankfully, no one was hurt and the damage to the ambulance was mostly cosmetic.
RFPD has posted a notice canceling the election of directors on their website. There were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates. Therefore, the election to be held on May 3, 2022, to elect Board Members is hereby canceled pursuant to section 1-13.5-513(6) C.R.S. The following candidates will be declared elected for three-year terms, expiring May 2025: Richard McMorran, Michael L. Graber, and Austin R. Clennin.
The RFPD’s new website is up and running. It contains, among other things, fresh data on record retention, the posting of important meetings, special notices, and community information. The page can be reached at www.http//ryefiredistrict.us.
Captain Jim Beach shared that Dr. Michael Mandrell has been named as the new Medical Director for Emergency Services. Mandrell is an Emergency Medicine Specialist who diagnoses and treats patients with life-threatening conditions such as heart attack, drug overdose, shock, or massive bleeding. He is an emergency room doctor at Parkview Medical Center.
Beach also reported that the water tank levels are good. The Hatchet Ranch tank is at about 33,000 gallons, which is only half capacity at this time.
Rick McMorran, soon to be RFPD board member, made the suggestion that all board members establish an email for RFPD matters only. After a brief discussion, this practice sounded good to all involved.
Beach advised of several training programs RFPD has been participating in, including a four-day training in Westcliffe for new staff members. A training in Colorado City with flight for life helicopters was completed and gave insight into a new medical flight service operation. REACH air medical services have recently expanded to this area and this gave RFPD an introduction to their services.
The RFPD program for Rye Elementary students is in effect, and staff are working with the third-grade students to prepare for the Fire Chief for a Day Program in early April.