South Adams County Fire Department Overhauls Travel Policies After Investigation

The South Adams County Fire Department has implemented significant changes to its travel and expense policies following a CBS News Colorado investigation that revealed extensive misuse of taxpayer funds. The investigation highlighted that department chiefs and board members had been using thousands of dollars for lavish trips, often bringing spouses along to professional conferences. These trips frequently extended beyond the official conference dates, leading to accusations that they resembled vacations rather than work-related travel. Maria Carabajal, the department's public information officer, emphasized that the new directives reflect a commitment to transparency and operational efficiency. The revised policies, which have been distributed to all personnel, aim to prevent the misuse of funds that had previously allowed for extravagant spending on meals and accommodations. One former firefighter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, expressed concern over the priorities of leadership, recalling instances of expensive dinners and excessive alcohol consumption during these trips. The new policies, approved by Fire Chief Ken Koger on July 3, prohibit extending travel beyond necessary conference dates unless pre-approved and justified by cost savings. Additionally, the use of department credit cards for travel expenses has been eliminated, and any costs related to alcohol will no longer be reimbursed. The changes come as a response to the community's demand for accountability from public servants, reinforcing the notion that past practices do not justify continued misuse of taxpayer dollars.