Aspen Fire hiring internally for its next fire chief, board determines

An internal hiring process is underway to replace longtime Aspen Fire Protection District Chief Rick Balentine, the board of directors determined during a Friday special meeting.

Balentine, who became chief in 2014, is stepping down Aug. 1.

AFPD Board President John Ward on Friday outlined three possible hiring approaches: posting the position internally for 14 days, opening the search externally for a set period, or hiring a recruiting firm. He noted, however, that the third option was likely off the table.

AFPD members expressed strong support for appointing Deputy Chief of Operations Jake Andersen, 44, with the board ultimately voting unanimously to proceed with an internal search.

Treasurer Dave “Wabs” Walbert emphasized the risks of hiring externally, citing past experiences in Snowmass and Basalt where outside hires didn’t work out.

“I have been in the valley for 50 years and on the fire department for 35 years. I have seen outside people twice come on board; in Snowmass once and Basalt, and they did not work out,” Walbert said. “They can be great on the interview and application, but we know what a candidate from internally is going to be. The outside hires that didn’t work out only lasted around a year last time.”

He added that external candidates might struggle with the culture of working in a mountain environment.

With over 95% internal support for Andersen, the board will post the position internally for 14 days before making a final decision.