Sheriff John Feyen fills Loveland rural fire board seat left vacant by resigned member - Reporter-Herald
Thomas Clayton
Three candidates were asked questions on topics including transparency, personnel issues, and the district’s reserve fund
Larimer County Sheriff John Feyen is now a member of the Loveland Rural Fire Protection District Board.
In a special meeting Wednesday evening, the Loveland Rural Fire Protection District Board interviewed three applicants to fill the empty seat left by Jeff Swanty’s resignation in April, and Feyen was elected by a majority.
President Paul Bukowski said the elected board member would have big shoes to fill in Swanty’s empty seat, adding that Swanty was a longtime board member who benefited the organization.
Each candidate, Feyen, George Shell and Shawn Eggleston — all rural district residents — were individually asked questions on topics including transparency, navigating personnel issues, and managing the rural’s reserve fund. The board spent nearly two hours interviewing Feyen, who has experience in fire, EMS and law enforcement; Shell, who has a background in finance but is passionate about wildfire protection; and Eggleston, a retired Greeley firefighter.
Among the questions, the board asked each candidate to share how they feel about the rural district’s reserve fund. Bukowski said he does not anticipate a separation from the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority, which is funded by both the city of Loveland and the Loveland Rural Fire Protection District, but if a split does happen, he said the reserve fund is there for the longevity of the rural district.
Feyen and Eggleston agreed, saying the board’s reserves shouldn’t all be given to the LFRA, and instead kept for emergencies. During public comment in past meetings, residents have questioned the need for a reserve.
Shell asked if the board has done any analysis on what monetary figure would be needed to keep the district afloat in the event of a separation, and if any direction has been set for reserve funds that exceed that amount.
“Are we directing that?” Shell said. “Or are we waiting for the LFRA to tell us they need money?”
The board also asked each candidate if they would adhere to any nondisclosure agreements and any other policies that could prevent the board from publicly discussing personnel matters.
“One of the issues the board faced … is being criticized heavily for not discussing any personnel matter … it was really, really nasty,” Bukowski said.
Feyen joked that it would be really bad for him to advocate for breaking the law as the sheriff. He said that he understood the board was prohibited from discussing former Fire Chief Tim Sendelbach’s separation because of the chief’s contract.
Similarly, Eggleston said that he’s dealt with personnel issues in the past and that his life experience has taught him there are two sides to every story.
“What’s put to the public through an agreement, or whatever, is what the public gets,” Eggleston said.
Shell said defying a legal contract isn’t good leadership, but said he would also try to find a way to build transparency and public statements into binding agreements.
Feyen told the board he would ultimately bring a wide expertise in fire, EMS, law enforcement, and leadership to the role. He added that he doesn’t anticipate his job as sheriff impacting his position on the board, saying there are ways of dealing with conflicts of interest if they arise.
“It’s something that my fellow board members are always going to have to be aware of,” Feyen said. “My goal is public safety so if I can make the rural district better and responsive to public safety, it makes the region better.”
The board used a closed poll to conduct its vote, but ended up with a double tie for first and second choices. A second vote was conducted and Feyen won with a majority.
Feyen is also seeking reelection for Larimer County Sheriff.
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The Loveland Rural Fire Protection District Board will next meet at 1:30 p.m. July 8 at Fire Station 1, 410 E. Fifth Street.
 | Tom Clayton Communication and Media Specialist, Public Affairs |
| Commissioners' Office 200 W Oak St, Fort Collins, 80522 | 2nd Floor W: (970) 498-7005 tcla...@larimer.org | www.larimer.org |