Aspen Fire Protection District names head chief finalist

The Aspen Fire Protection District on Monday announced that Jake Andersen has been named the sole finalist as its head chief.

“It is truly an honor to even be considered for this,” Andersen told The Aspen Times on Monday. “I am deeply grateful and humbled to be seen in this way by such an outstanding group — from our dedicated firefighters and supportive board to the wonderful mountain community we serve.”

According to a press release, the board of directors decided at an April 15 special meeting to make the announcement following an “in-depth interview” with Andersen. If selected, he will succeed Fire Chief Rick Balentine, who is set to retire on Aug. 1.

“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,” the release states. “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.”

Balentine’s retirement will come after a career spanning more than three decades with Aspen Fire, according to the release. Balentine began as a volunteer firefighter in 1989 and served as EMS captain, chaplain, deputy chief, and volunteer fire chief. He was appointed head fire chief, becoming the district’s first full-time paid firefighter in that role, in 2014. 

Andersen will be bringing nearly 30 years of experience in operational, executive, and supervisory roles across fire and emergency services, including service with the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, city of Tucson Fire Department, and several special fire districts in Colorado. 

Andersen joined Aspen Fire in March 2021 and has overseen the entire operations division, managed all operational personnel, and played what the press release calls “a key role” in advancing 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,” the release states about Andersen. “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.”