The fight over who runs Loveland’s fire service just escalated. The Loveland Fire Rescue Authority board voted unanimously this week to issue a notice of intent to terminate Fire Chief Tim Sendelbach, triggering a formal process that could cost him his job after weeks of public clashes over governance and money. The chief is slated to get his say at a hearing next week as the authority moves through its personnel procedures.
Board advances a formal termination step
According to CBS News Colorado, the LFRA board unanimously approved a notice of intent to terminate Sendelbach and set an opportunity for him to respond next Tuesday, Feb. 24. That vote kicks off a multi-step employment process that could end with a public vote on whether to fire the chief.
How the process unfolded
LFRA placed Sendelbach on paid administrative leave in late January and directed a two-member personnel committee to draft a letter of intent to terminate, FireRescue1 reported. The committee, chaired by Board Chairman Jeff Swanty and Loveland City Manager Jim Thompson, also tapped Assistant Chief Greg Ward to serve as acting chief while the dispute plays out.
Firefighters and residents push back
Rank-and-file firefighters and residents did not sit quietly after Sendelbach was sidelined. Public comment lines filled up, and a petition began circulating. Union leaders went so far as to issue a formal vote of no confidence in the board, Firehouse reported. Supporters of the chief argue the conflict grows out of long-running battles over the authority’s city-to-rural funding split rather than any clear misconduct.
Why this fight matters
Local reporting has linked the personnel standoff to deeper governance and budget tensions, particularly an 80-20 city-to-rural funding formula that has been a recurring flashpoint between board members and department leadership, per FireRescue1. The outcome of Sendelbach’s case could reshape how LFRA is funded and managed going forward and may carry political fallout in the region.
The chief will get a formal chance to respond before the board takes any final action. If the board decides to move ahead with termination, a public vote will be required, according to CBS News Colorado. The authority’s website lists a public LFRA board meeting later this month on Feb. 25, where the issue could surface. Details are available on the LFRA calendar…