FFFD Letter of Support

As Fire Chief of the Frederick-Firestone Fire District, I am writing to urge your support for establishing an independent ZIP code for the Town of Frederick-a critical public safety issue that directly impacts our ability to protect lives and property. 

Emergency Response Challenges 

Our fire district currently responds to emergencies across Frederick. which shares ZIP codes 80504, 80516, and 80530 with neighboring jurisdictions. This ZIP code confusion creates dangerous delays in emergency response. We have documented multiple incidents where first responders were dispatched to the wrong streets in neighboring communities, adding precious minutes to response times when every second counts. With over 4,000 Frederick households assigned to Longmont's 80504 ZIP code and more than 2,000 using Erie's 80516, the potential for misdirected emergency responses affects thousands of our residents daily. 

Impact on Emergency Services Funding 

Beyond the immediate public safety risks, this ZIP code issue directly undermines our emergency services funding. Our constituents have approved sales tax measures designated explicitly for fire protection and emergency medical services. However, when Frederick residents make purchases, an estimated $1.5 million in sales tax revenue is allocated to neighboring jurisdictions due to ZIP code misidentification. These are funds our voters intended for their own fire protection, emergency medical services, and public safety infrastructure. 

Critical Infrastructure Needs 

As one of the fastest-growing towns in Northern Colorado, Frederick faces increasing demands for emergency services. The loss of constituent-approved tax revenue hampers our ability to:

  • Staff additional fire stations in growing neighborhoods
  • Purchase essential emergency response equipment
  • Maintain adequate response times as our service area expands
  • Build the infrastructure necessary to protect our rapidly growing population

Request for Action 

I respectfully urge you to support the assignment of a unique ZIP code to the Town of Frederick. This action will save lives, protect property, and ensure that our residents receive the emergency services they vote for and deserve. 

Thank you for considering this critical public safety matter. 

Respectfully in Service,

Jeremy A. Young, EFO, CFO Chief Fire Executive Officer