New Loveland Fire Chief to Start on November 2

The authority's new leader brings a forensic background that may shift local fire safety compliance and inspection priorities.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration showing a brass fire department badge and lens, representing technical forensic oversight for a municipal fire authority. — Paul Claflin begins his term as Loveland Fire Chief on November 2, bringing an investigation-heavy background to the authority's leadership team. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Paul Claflin is set to begin his tenure as the new fire chief of the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority on Nov. 2, 2026. The appointment concludes a selection process that narrowed 33 initial applicants down to four finalists.

Why it matters

The board prioritized specialized expertise in arson and explosives investigation when selecting leadership for the authority. This strategic hiring pivot reflects a focus on technical forensic capabilities for the department's future operations.

Claflin will earn an annual salary of $245,000, which is lower than the $250,711.20 salary earned by the former chief in 2026. The search for this leadership role involved vetting 33 initial applicants before selecting the final candidate.

The players

Paul Claflin

Incoming fire chief for the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority and a former assistant special agent in charge with the ATF.

Loveland Fire Rescue Authority

The municipal entity responsible for fire protection and emergency services in Loveland.

Tim Sendelbach

Former chief of the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority who departed the role in March 2026.

Randy Mirowski

Current official assisting with the leadership transition until early November 2026.

The details

The board conducted a nationwide search, culminating in a meet-and-greet process between the four finalists and the community. As part of his contract, the board approved Claflin's request to reside in Windsor while serving the authority. He will work alongside interim leadership until Nov. 6, 2026, to facilitate the transition.

March 2026: Former chief Tim Sendelbach separated from the authority.
September 22, 2026: The board unanimously selected Paul Claflin for the role.
November 2, 2026: Paul Claflin officially begins his tenure as chief.
November 6, 2026: The transition period between outgoing and incoming leadership concludes.

Market Landscape

This appointment marks the conclusion of a transition period initiated by the departure of Tim Sendelbach in March 2026. The move shifts the authority's leadership profile toward a focus on technical arson and explosives investigation.

Operators should monitor the new chief's public safety enforcement priorities, particularly regarding commercial fire code and forensic investigation standards. Any shifts in department policy regarding local business inspections or compliance enforcement could follow from his specialized background.

The takeaway

The appointment signals a specific administrative interest in fortifying the department's forensic and investigative expertise. Business owners should review current fire safety compliance filings to prepare for a potential shift in inspection scrutiny or investigative rigor under new leadership.