Free Speech, Retaliation, and the Cost of Integrity: My Story

In April 2022, I left federal service after 18 years to raise my daughters and accepted the Fire Chief position at a small rural department in Colorado. Within a year, with the support of an outstanding board and dedicated personnel, we transformed that department from 5 to over 60 trained, qualified, and dedicated personnel.

Then came the May 2023 election. For the first time, all five board seats were up for election. I received complaints from citizens regarding irregularities at the polls. I reviewed 48 hours of surveillance footage and discovered clear evidence of coordinated election misconduct. I followed my legal and moral obligation and reported the findings to the District Attorney’s office.

That decision changed everything.

The individuals under investigation were sworn in as the new board and immediately ordered me to disable and delete all surveillance footage. I refused. Days later, they illegally froze the fire district’s bank accounts, disrupting emergency services and payroll. Despite my efforts to protect the department and its integrity, I was fired for refusing to destroy evidence and for bills I had no authority to pay.

I took an oath, not to a board, but to the Constitution. As a citizen, not as Fire Chief, I reported election fraud. I filed a federal lawsuit citing First Amendment protections. The court acknowledged the misconduct but ruled that my actions were part of my professional duties and therefore not constitutionally protected. My case was dismissed without ever reaching a jury.

This is wrong and dangerous. It sends a chilling message to public servants: if you report corruption, your constitutional rights may not apply.

I am now preparing to appeal to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. But after exhausting over $150,000 of personal funds, I can no longer do this alone.

If you believe in:

• Protecting those who speak up

• Defending the First Amendment

• Holding public officials accountable

• Due process and the right to a jury trial

• Safeguarding ethical leadership in public service

… then I humbly ask for your support.

Federal Docket: 1:23-cv-01798 (U.S. District Court – Colorado)

10th Circuit Court of Appeals: 25-1159

Please share. Speak up. Help us fight for integrity, accountability, and the constitutional rights of all citizens.