LFRA Petition for Reinstatement of the Fire Chief

UPDATE: 2/16/2026 - There is now an online petition available. Click Here

Neighbors,

Our community is at a critical crossroads regarding our fire and emergency services. As many of you know, the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority (LFRA) Board is moving toward the permanent termination of Fire Chief Tim Sendelbach.

If you support Fire Chief Tim Sendelbach and want to ensure our voices as rural residents and taxpayers are heard, we are placing a Citizens’ Petition for Reinstatement at the community mailboxes starting today.

Here is a summary of the timeline regarding Fire Chief Tim Sendelbach and the current status of the petition to help you inform your neighbors and meet the February 23rd deadline.

Timeline of Events

• January 28, 2026: The LFRA Board placed Chief Sendelbach on paid administrative leave following a regularly scheduled meeting. No public explanation was provided for this decision.

  
  

• January 31, 2026: In response, over 75% of LFRA staff (firefighters and administrative personnel) began circulating an internal letter of No Confidence in the LFRA Board.

  
  

• February 4, 2026: Chief Sendelbach announced he would not resign, despite being given a deadline by the board to do so or face termination.

  
  

• February 9, 2026: During a virtual special meeting attended by nearly 300 people, the board voted to continue the termination process. They also formally ratified the personnel committee’s earlier actions, including the appointment of an Acting Chief.

  
  

• February 12, 2026: The board held another special meeting to finalize a formal "letter of intent to terminate". Per his contract, the Chief now has the right to a closed executive session to present an appeal before a final public vote is taken.

  
  

The Petition for Reinstatement of the Fire Chief is a formal declaration by residents and property owners expressing NO CONFIDENCE in the LFRA Board's current leadership decisions.

Formal Demands of the Petition:

• Immediate reinstatement of Chief Tim Sendelbach.

  
  

• Corrective action to restore stability, transparency, and accountability within the LFRA.

  
  

• Prioritizing the best interests of the firefighters and the community they serve.

  
  

Important Action Items

• Signing the Petition: To ensure your voice is heard before the next phase of deliberations, please sign the petition located at the community mailboxes on Pole Hill/18E & Saddle Notch & Skinner Gulch before Friday, February 23rd.

  
  

• Eligibility: All residents and property owners within the LFRA service area are encouraged to sign.

  
  

• Upcoming Meetings: The next regular LFRA Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25th at 1:30 p.m. at the Fire Administration Building.

If you have any questions, concerns or comments please email communications@plwag.org