RFPD Receives Donation

Rye Fire Protection District has received a donation of a digital laryngoscope along with a supply of disposable blades. This valuable machine was donated via an RFPD employee who also works with the Salida Fire Department and obtained the donation through them.

RFPD Fire Chief Steve Bennett noted that this is a very valuable device as it greatly increases success rates for intubation and that the digital laryngoscope is an excellent solution for difficult airways.

Bennett advised the RFPD board of the donation during the December 18, monthly board meeting. He says that RFPD now has a digital laryngoscope available for each ambulance.

During the month of November, RFPD responded to 62 calls for service, 48 of which were Emergency Medical Service calls and 14 were fire related. They assisted in two mutual aid calls in conjunction with the City of Pueblo Fire Department.

Chief Bennett reported that, after the delay in receiving financial material, the auditor is nearly finished with the yearly audit.

Chief Bennett advised the board that with the audit nearing completion, he feels January 1, 2024, would be a good time to change CPAs. This is a matter that has been discussed for quite some time and CPAs have already interviewed for the position. It was discussed that an “engagement letter” outlining RFPD’s expectations should be presented to the new accountant.

It was decided that Chief Bennett would contact Christopher (Chris) Dowell of Pueblo about taking over the RFPD accountant position.

The RFPD board reviewed and accepted the 2024 budget as presented after Chief Bennett answered a couple of questions from board members about what some items on the budget were.

The RFPD board voted approval on Resolution 24-001announcing posting places for announcement of RFPD meetings, Resolution 24-002 adopting RFPD regular meeting dates, times, and location, Resolution 24-003 stating the mill levy for all counties that RFPD operates in, accepting the budget as presented, Resolution 24-004 adopting the 2024 RFPD budget, and Resolution 24-005 which is a resolution to appropriate sums of money. These are all annual resolutions that are renewed each year.