FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Aspen Fire Protection District Announces Finalist for CEO / Fire Chief Position
Aspen, CO — April 25, 2025 — The Aspen Fire Protection District is pleased to announce that Jacob Andersen has been named the sole finalist for the position of CEO / Fire Chief following an internal candidate search.

A special meeting of the Board of Directors was held on April 15, 2025, during which an in-depth interview with Andersen was conducted, and the Board formally announced him as the sole finalist. The decision to conduct an internal search was strongly influenced by clear and consistent support for Andersen’s promotion across all levels of the organization. In January, the Board received a formal letter from the department’s senior leadership team—including battalion chiefs and volunteer representatives—strongly recommending Andersen as the next Fire Chief. This endorsement was echoed by widespread support from administrative staff, career firefighters, and volunteer members, all expressing confidence in his leadership and urging his selection.

The selection comes as Fire Chief Rick Balentine prepares for his retirement, effective August 1, 2025. Chief Balentine announced his plans to retire during the November 2024 Board meeting, formalizing the timeline for his departure and allowing the Aspen Fire Protection District Board of Directors ample time to thoughtfully plan for the selection and onboarding of a highly qualified successor. Balentine’s distinguished career spans more than three decades with Aspen Fire, beginning in 1989 as a volunteer firefighter. He steadily rose through the ranks, serving as EMS Captain, Chaplain, Deputy Chief, and Volunteer Fire Chief. In 2014, he was appointed CEO/ Fire Chief by the Board of Directors, becoming the district’s first full-time paid firefighter in that role.

Andersen, currently serving as Deputy Chief of Operations, brings nearly 30 years of experience in operational, executive, and supervisory roles across fire and emergency services. His career includes service with the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, City of Tucson Fire Department, and several special fire districts in Colorado. Since joining Aspen Fire in March 2021, he has overseen the entire operations division, managed all operational personnel, and played a key role in advancing the department’s strategic initiatives. He is widely respected for his people-first approach, with a strong focus on supporting the growth, well-being, and development of the organization’s most valuable resource—our people.

We are excited to move forward with Andersen as our finalist as we prepare for Chief Balentine’s well-earned retirement and are grateful for his incredible legacy and confidence in the continued strength of our department’s leadership moving forward.

In accordance with Colorado law, it is statutorily required to wait 14 days following the announcement of a finalist before the Board of Directors can enter into an employment agreement and formally appoint Andersen to the position. The Board of Directors anticipates making a final decision regarding the CEO/ Fire Chief appointment during its regular meeting on May 13.

For more information, please contact:

Nikki Lapin
Human Resources Director

nikki.lapin@aspenfire.com