Tensions boiled over at Federal Heights City Hall on Tuesday night as hundreds of residents and first responders packed a City Council meeting and demanded an independent investigation into City Manager Jacquie Halburnt. Unions representing the city’s police and fire departments delivered a unanimous vote of no confidence, arguing that long-standing leadership and staffing shortfalls have put public safety on the line. The public showdown followed recent reporting and a prosecutor’s review that uncovered investigative lapses inside the Federal Heights Police Department.
Unions press for accountability
Leaders from Local 4222, the firefighters' union, and FOP Lodge 77, the police union, told council members they had voted no confidence in Halburnt and were formally calling for an outside probe, according to 9News. Union officials also alleged that communication between first responders and elected officials had been blocked and that repeated requests to hire more staff and upgrade safety equipment had been delayed.
Prosecutor's review flagged investigative lapses
A 2023 review by the 17th Judicial District found failures to investigate serious felony cases dating back to 2020 through 2022 and described the Federal Heights Police Department as “woefully understaffed,” noting that detectives were often limited to roughly 40 hours a week despite investigative demands, according to CBS Colorado. The district attorney said the findings raised “serious concerns about community safety” and confirmed that portions of the review were referred for further scrutiny.
City manager: third-party review underway
Halburnt told reporters that an outside, third-party investigation is already underway and that she could not publicly address the specifics, writing, “As this is a personnel issue, I am unable to discuss it,” as reported by Denver7. Members of the council said they plan to call an executive session to determine next steps, and at least one council member urged a swift review of city leadership and day-to-day public safety operations.
What comes next
Union leaders are pushing the council to consider placing Halburnt on administrative leave or, at a minimum, launching a formal independent audit of public safety operations, while residents pointed to worsening response times and rising crime trends. Together, the prosecutor’s review and the unions’ no-confidence vote have sharply increased pressure on City Hall. Parts of the district attorney’s examination were referred to the Colorado Attorney General’s Office for further review, according to CBS Colorado.
