Federal Heights Ousts Police and Fire Chiefs Amid Tensions

City leaders fired the chiefs, but union officials say they were not properly notified of the terminations.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 7:58pm

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The police and fire chiefs in Federal Heights, Colorado were fired this week after months of tension between the city's law enforcement agencies and local government leaders. Officials declined to comment on the reasons for the dismissals, but union representatives said the chiefs had not submitted resignations and were not properly notified of their terminations.

Why it matters

The firings come after the police and fire unions presented a unanimous no-confidence vote against the city manager earlier this year, citing issues like staffing levels and a perceived lack of support from city leadership. The abrupt dismissals have raised concerns about the deteriorating relationship between the public safety agencies and city officials in Federal Heights.

The details

Federal Heights officials announced the firings of Police Chief Robert Grado and Fire Chief Marc Mahoney in an email to city employees on Friday evening, stating that the chiefs had 'resigned' and were 'no longer with the city.' However, union representatives said neither chief had submitted a resignation, and they were not properly notified of their terminations. Deputy Chief Karl Ballard was appointed as interim police chief, and finance director Tim Weitzman will oversee the fire department.

  • On January 27, the Federal Heights City Council held a closed-door meeting to discuss a 'personnel matter' involving City Manager Jacqueline Halburnt, following a no-confidence vote by the police and fire unions.
  • The police and fire chiefs were fired on April 4, 2026.

The players

Robert Grado

The former police chief of Federal Heights, Colorado.

Marc Mahoney

The former fire chief of Federal Heights, Colorado.

Jacqueline Halburnt

The city manager of Federal Heights, Colorado.

Linda Montoya

The mayor of Federal Heights, Colorado.

Federal Heights Professional Firefighters

The union representing firefighters in Federal Heights.

Federal Heights Police Lodge

The union representing police officers in Federal Heights.

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What they’re saying

“The manner in which this was conducted is incredibly disrespectful to both chiefs, police officers, and firefighters. We will be submitting a request to state officials for a full investigation into these terminations.”

— Frank Rutkowski, Firefighter union spokesperson

“That's when we did the no confidence vote, because we thought they were being unfairly targeted for seeking a normal staffing level. It feels like retaliation.”

— Frank Rutkowski, Firefighter union spokesperson

What’s next

The Federal Heights City Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, April 8, 2026, where the council may address the firings of the police and fire chiefs.

The takeaway

The abrupt dismissals of the Federal Heights police and fire chiefs have exacerbated the ongoing tensions between the city's public safety agencies and local government leaders, raising concerns about the deteriorating relationship and the potential for further conflict.