RYE, Colo. — The Rye Fire Protection District chief was under investigation after state officials accused him of responding to medical calls with an expired paramedic certification.
An investigation of Chief Steven Bennett by 11 News uncovered additional concerns involving the Rye Fire Protection District, leading the state’s Department of Public Health and Environment to provide a statement.
“The investigation is now closed. Mr. Bennett is not authorized to work as a paramedic in Colorado. The department began investigating his certification status in August 2024. The investigation found that Mr. Bennett was responding to emergency medical calls with an expired paramedic certification. In December 2024, the department issued him a notice to immediately cease and desist representing himself as a Colorado-certified Emergency Medical Services provider and referred the matter to the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.”
11 News obtained records showing Bennett responded to at least 294 medical calls between April 2022 and November 2024, despite his paramedic license expiring on Nov. 29, 2019.
“If a paramedic’s certification has expired, they have no authority to provide medical care and could potentially face assault charges based on their actions,” a Department of Public Health and Environment spokesperson said. “Further, if an EMS agency bills Medicaid/Medicare for services provided by an unlicensed paramedic, the agency could be required to return any payments received.”
Additionally, fire protection district employees filed a federal lawsuit on Jan. 20 against the agency over allegations of years worth of unpaid overtime and retaliation.
