Lt. Ron Bakken, EMS coordinator for the FLMFPD, was one of the most capable and professional leaders this district has ever seen. Ron single-handedly saved the district from losing its state EMS license. He brought the agency into compliance, taught Rural Firefighter, worked closely with the medical director and advocated for modern equipment our crews needed to work safely. He built strong relationships with neighboring agencies and coordinated joint training opportunities with Los Pinos Fire. Because of Ron’s efforts, most Basic Life Support calls could be handled within the district without unnecessary mutual aid. Ron and his wife planned to make Fort Lewis Mesa their permanent home.
When concerns arose under the new chief, Ron went to the board. They did nothing. Instead, they publicly declared they backed their chief “100%,” after knowing him only weeks. Shortly afterward, Ron was gone. It became clear that after reporting serious concerns, his work environment deteriorated to the point that he was effectively pushed out.
A clear pattern has emerged: Anyone who challenges the new chief is removed or targeted. As a former elected board member and president of the FLMFPD board of directors, I did not vote to hire him. When I raised public safety concerns, the chief filed a complaint against my nursing license – despite no nurse‑patient relationship and information being voluntarily disclosed. It was merely coincidental that I was a nurse, but it provided an easy avenue to target, harass and attempt to silence me.
This is not leadership. It is intimidation. The community must demand new leadership – and the resignation of those who have failed it.
Emily Horvath
Hesperus
