Boulder Fire-Rescue has issued a formal acknowledgment of the Boulder County District Attorney's findings concerning the death of Jesus Lopez Barcenas on December 27, 2024. In their statement, they extended their sympathies to everyone touched by Mr. Barcenas' death, emphasizing their commitment to serving the community based on protocols and national standards.
During the incident in question, Boulder Fire-Rescue teams arrived to provide medical assistance to an injured police officer, originally been responded to by the University of Colorado Police Department. After care was handed off to American Medical Response (AMR), the city’s contracted ambulance service, unfortunately, attended to by AMR personnel alone, was Mr. Barcenas, who later died.
According to the Boulder Fire-Rescue, Division Chief of EMS Jenna Steege noted the continual impact of this tragedy, stating, "Although some time has passed since the incident, the death of Mr. Barcenas remains a deeply tragic outcome. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones as they continue to endure this loss.” Boulder Fire-Rescue's involvement has been reviewed following the incident, ensuring their operational expectations and responsibilities were complied with.
Furthermore, AMR conducted an internal investigation of the December 27 incident, resulting in the firing of one employee. Steege, in the given statement, added that this review by AMR led to the termination: "AMR management conducted their own internal review of the Dec. 27, 2024, incident and informed me that it resulted in the termination of one of their employees,” as per Boulder Fire-Rescue, affirming their commitment to transparency and upholding public trust in light of the district attorney’s findings.
