“Operational wise, we’re good, but that could change at any time,” LeAnne Spicer, treasurer of Florissant Fire Rescue said during an informal session held to discuss the ongoing need to increase revenue to keep the department serving the needs of the community.

Board Secretary Mark Harter told the small group that another ballot initiative is necessary to help FFR keep up with the demands of service.

“Florissant has not had a Mill Levy increase in 22 years and a lot has changed and we don’t have the revenues to keep up,” he said.

Chief John Buchan gave a comprehensive report on the status of the department, the facilities, equipment, and personnel.

“If anyone of those becomes a problem, we would be in danger of having to cut services, and that’s something I monitor every day,” he said. “We have 72 active volunteers and average about six that respond to each call. Their dedication is outstanding. They show up, they train, they want to continue their education and they are all volunteers. The only paid staff is the chief.”

Since 2020, recurring costs for fire service activities has increased 15% per year. It costs $24,022. per firefighter to provide proper safety equipment, radios and certifications. Since 2020, recurring costs for EMS activities have increased 33% per year and medical calls in 2025 were 61% of the calls.

The first goal is to be an ISO Class 3 Fire District. To lower the premiums to property owners and get those who have lost insurance, covered again. The second goal is to provide an average response time of less than 10 minutes for all emergencies. Water is a big component, and they are hoping to add seven fire hydrants. Generators are needed in case of outage that could potentially freeze the water in the tenders.

Buchan said a merger between the Florissant, Four-Mile and Divide districts was looked at. He said in doing so, the mill levy would be held at the highest levy of the three. Divide is at 10, which is significantly more than what Florissant is requesting.

“Florissant is growing, more people are moving into the area, our services are in demand, but our revenues just aren’t keeping up to meet those demands,” Buchan said. “Am I going to have to cut services?”

The district plans to hold more of these sessions and have open discussions with residents. People are encouraged to attend, ask questions, make suggestions, etc. Any questions regarding this can be directed to Chief Buchan; 719-494-3874 or Chief.buchan@florissantfire.com.

BOARD MEMBER ADDED

Rich Krochta of Florissant was approved by a unanimous vote of the Florissant Fire Protection District Board of Directors on February 18, to fill the board vacancy after Debbie Blanc resigned citing health concerns.

Krochta according to his application brings more than four decades of public service experience to FFPD, including extensive involvement in fire, EMS, military, and municipal leadership roles. He relocated to Colorado 11 years ago to the Florissant/Teller County area.

Within the Fire Department, he served as President, Assistant Chief, and ultimately Fire Chief, also serving with the local ambulance corps, rising to the rank of Assistant Captain. In addition, he was a Pennsylvania State Constable and Pennsylvania Wildlife Conservation Officer.

in 2019 the Colorado State Patrol hailed Krochta as a hero for rescuing two people from a burning vehicle in Teller County. He was awarded the prestigious Carnegie Medal for his heroic life-saving bravery.

“Mr. Krochta’s broad proven experience demonstrates his public service, discipline, leadership, and teamwork skills that are most welcome to the Florissant Fire District and community,” said Jim McGovern, President of the Board.