Fire chief steps down after investigation reveals he responded to medical calls, likely provided care without valid license
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - A small town fire chief calls his stepping down a “retirement,” not a resignation after the state ordered him in December to stop responding to medical calls due to a lack of proper licensure.
“It has been an honor to serve the Rye community and work alongside such a dedicated team of first responders,” said Chief Bennett in a news release. “I am grateful for the support of my colleagues and the residents we serve. While I look forward to retirement, I will always hold this department and community close to my heart.”
This comes after 11 News began investigating Chief Steven Bennett of the Rye Fire Protection District last fall.
The investigation found Chief Bennett responded to at least 294 medical calls with his state paramedic license expired. His son, Reese Bennett, is a Lieutenant with RFPD and records show he responded to at least 184 medical calls while his state EMT license was expired for a nearly two-year period between early 2023 and late 2024.
The above numbers were derived from RFPD’s records detailing which personnel responded to calls going back to early 2022, but state records show Chief Bennett’s paramedic license expired in November 2019.
Documents obtained by 11 News indicate both of the Bennetts provided medical care to patients while their licenses were expired.
The documents indicate Chief Bennett intubated at least one patient, placed an intraosseous route through a patient’s bone which is commonly known as an “IO,” and gave several medications and IVs.
The same documents indicate Reese Bennett placed at least one patient on ventilation, performed CPR and placed several IVs. State officials say Reese Bennett is under probationary status as a result of Colorado’s Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) investigation on him.
“As part of his probation, [Reese Bennett] is required to inform any medical director he works under about his probationary status and provide proof of notification to [CDPHE,]” said a CDPHE spokesperson.
Colorado’s Medicaid Fraud Unit has been involved in this case.
A federal lawsuit is filed against RFPD by many of the agency’s staff members over allegations of unpaid overtime, retaliation and wrongful termination.
Below is a copy of a cease and desist letter from Colorado’s Department of Public Health and Environment to Chief Bennett, followed by a news release from RFPD regarding Chief Bennett stepping down.
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