Loveland Fire Rescue Authority selected Paul Claflin, an ATF leader and former firefighter with extensive arson and explosives investigation experience, as its next fire chief

By Sharla Steinman
Loveland Reporter-Herald

LOVELAND, Colo. — Paul Claflin was selected by the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority Board to serve as its next fire chief.

During a Loveland Fire Rescue Authority Board meeting Tuesday afternoon, the five-member board spent a few minutes sharing their fire chief pick, and directors unanimously chose Claflin.

| MORE: Creating a common language for leadership

Claflin, a Windsor resident, currently serves as the assistant special agent in charge with the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Denver. From 2021 to 2026, he served as an arson and explosives group supervisor, also in Denver. He served as a special agent, certified fire investigator, and EMT for almost 15 years, and as a firefighter and EMT with the Campbell County Fire Department in Wyoming from 1996-2001, according to information provided by the firm leading the search, Strategic Government Resources.

The tentative chief holds a master’s degree in forensic arson and explosives investigation; a bachelor’s degree in fire services administration; a chief fire officer designation from the Center of Public Safety Excellence; and is a certified fire investigator.

Board President Andrea Samson called Claflin during a short intermission and extended an offer of employment, but a personnel committee and Claflin have yet to approve a final contract. The process may take a week or two, Samson said during the meeting.

After the phone call, Samson said Claflin was excited and felt honored and appreciated.

During the meeting, Samson said Claflin’s background stood out to her, adding that she was impressed by his references and his leadership, teamwork, and collaboration background with the federal government.

Directors Paul Bukowski and Brian Waldes offered to serve on the personnel committee. Interim Chief Randy Mirowski’s contract with the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority ends Oct. 6 , but the interim chief said his contract will most likely be extended to allow sufficient time for the transition process with Claflin.

Mirowski said Claflin’s unique background as a firefighter in Wyoming and working through large-scale federal incidents will allow him to bring firefighters — both the rural and Loveland board — and the community together.

The interim chief said Claflin also brings characteristics that firefighters have said they are looking for.

“A chief that will be relatable, be able to to have an open door to welcome firefighters in,” Mirowski said after the meeting. “This man meets that bill clearly.”

Scott Kretschmer, who attended the meeting, said Claflin was also his pick, adding that he got to have an extended conversation with the candidate during the public meet-and-greet last week.

The four finalists selected by the board — Chris Ghiatis, Tobias Kirschke, Jaren Kilian and Claflin — participated in a public meet-and-greet where the community got the chance to ask questions and each candidate made their case as to why they should be Loveland’s next chief.

The search for former fire chief Tim Sendelbach’s replacement was led by Strategic Government Resources. The agency got 33 applicants, which an LFRA search committee narrowed to 12 semifinalists, and then four finalists answered questionnaires and video interviews.

Sendelbach separated from the department in March and Strategic Government Resources was selected by the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority Board to lead the search in May.

Tim Sendelbach will lead the regional organization as it integrates the Wauwatosa and West Allis fire departments

September 14, 2026 03:15 PM

Buffalo Grove’s new Fire Station 25 features cancer-reduction measures, sleep-focused bunk rooms, expanded apparatus bays and a larger fitness area

September 22, 2026 09:37 AM

Gavin Newsom cited concerns that the move would not be financially sound; AB 1383 would have lowered retirement ages by 2 years and raised maximum accrual rates by 0.3%

September 22, 2026 09:01 AM

 · 

Long View fired Chief James Brinkley after accusing him of undermining the interim town manager and entering a burning home without protective gear while on administrative leave

September 22, 2026 10:01 AM

Fly Precision identified Greg King and Ryan Cutter as the two crew members killed when their helicopter crashed during water-drop operations on the Dome Fire

September 22, 2026 03:21 PM

© 2026 Loveland Reporter-Herald, Colo.
Visit www.reporterherald.com.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

How thoughtful fire station design can integrate exhaust removal and clean-air systems to reduce firefighter exposure to diesel exhaust and airborne contaminants