To the Fort Lewis Mesa Fire Protection District community members:
As one of only three officials originally elected by you, I believe it is important to clearly explain my resignation, which became effective Nov. 25, 2025.
During my time on the board, our department made tremendous progress. We rebuilt the district from the ground up – revitalizing the volunteer program, strengthening training, restoring our EMS program to good standing, hiring an engaged medical director, and securing our long-delinquent ambulance license.
We completed two nationwide fire chief searches, reorganized our finances, developed a 2026 budget and modernized essential policies. I also hoped to integrate rural public health through volunteer nurse programs and a medication-management initiative.
While these efforts will no longer be pursued through the district, I remain committed to serving this underserved area. I continue to deeply support our hardworking volunteers and staff.
My resignation stems from ongoing issues that made continued service impossible. For months, I was forced to shoulder the overwhelming majority of board responsibilities due to persistent nonparticipation from other members. This imbalance prevented the board from functioning as an effective governing body.
Equally concerning was a recurring pattern of disrespect, including verbal attacks during official meetings – behavior that is unprofessional, unacceptable and incompatible with public service. No district can progress when cooperation is replaced with hostility and when elected leadership is undermined from within.
I hope my resignation encourages serious reflection on the dysfunction that has hindered the district’s stability and future progress.
Emily Horvath, RN, former FLMFPD Board President
Hesperus
