GILPIN COUNTY — After a two-hour workshop concerning a possible mill levy election in November, the Timberline Fire Protection District Board of Directors took time Tuesday evening, June 9, 2026, to recognize promotions and welcome a new firefighter to the department.

Fire Chief Paul Ondr promoted Alex Hinojos to lieutenant during the meeting. Hinojos joined Timberline in 2015 as a volunteer before becoming a firefighter.

Ondr presented him with a red lieutenant's helmet and congratulated him on the promotion.

"I really appreciate the opportunity. Thank you so much, you guys," Hinojos said.

A lieutenant is often the first officer to arrive on an emergency scene and is responsible for managing operations until higher-ranking officers arrive.

The department also announced the promotion of Blake Dawson from part-time to full-time firefighter. Dawson was unable to attend the meeting.

Ondr further announced that Emily Creswell had accepted an offer to fill the vacant part-time firefighter position after the department interviewed five candidates earlier that day.

The announcements were met with applause from board members and others in attendance.

Several newer volunteer firefighters also introduced themselves, including Marty Spry, Jake Muñoz, Luke Meyer, and Adam Rasmussen.

In other business, the board unanimously approved pension board minutes from March 10 and regular and special meeting minutes from May 12 and May 21, with minor corrections.

Board Chair Rick Wenzel noted that $500,000 had recently been moved from a Wells Fargo account into Colo Trust accounts to earn a higher rate of interest.

More applause followed when Ondr announced that construction of the Station 3 garage bay project is complete and the district has received its certificate of occupancy.

The district continues working through the final USDA grant reimbursement paperwork. Ondr said a significant hurdle was recently cleared when USDA accepted a roughly 100-page documentation package submitted by the district.

While construction is complete, a few loose ends remain. Ondr said the district is working with a local contractor to repair a sewer-line issue between the station and the septic system. Several minor electrical items unrelated to the construction project also need attention.

The chief's report showed Timberline responded to 61 calls in May with an average response time of 10 minutes and 15 seconds.

The Station 3 cistern, sprinkler system, and truck-fill connections are now fully operational.

A new Smokey Bear wildfire danger sign has been installed at Station 3. Similar signs are planned for Stations 1, 2, 5 and 7 through FEMA SAFER grant funding.

Mitigation Truck 1, a 2017 vehicle with more than 100,000 miles, was recently involved in a single-vehicle accident. No injuries occurred and damage was limited to district property and a fence post. The vehicle may be declared a total loss pending repair estimates.

Wildland crews continue mitigation work in Pinecliffe, where another 40 acres may be added to the project. Brush 59 remains deployed in South Dakota on a severity assignment at the Rosebud Indian Reservation.

Ondr also reminded residents that free firewood remains available at Station 4.

Additional personnel changes included the resignation of Lt. Lovato, who accepted a position with Black Hawk Fire.

Firefighter Covele was named the district's new rookie coordinator, a volunteer position intended to provide consistency and mentorship for new members.

Upcoming events include Timberline's Station 3 grand opening celebration on June 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Gilpin County Volunteer Day on June 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Gilpin County Fair July 17-19, and an auto extrication training event at U-Pull-It on June 27.

The next regular meeting of the Timberline board is scheduled for July 21 at 6 p.m. at Station 3, 19126 Highway 119 in Black Hawk.