Documents claim Black Forest Fire Chief “choked out” firefighters, fostered fears of retaliation

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) - KRDO 13 Investigates is learning more about an El Paso County Sheriffs Office (EPCSO) investigation into alleged instances of a fire chief "choking" firefighters in the Black Forrest Fire District. That district says the chief no longer works for them following the conclusion of an investigation of their own.

The EPSCO were called in to begin their investigation in July of this year, over reports that from October 2022 through July 2023, Fire Chief PJ Langmaid with Black Forest Fire District (BFFD), choked out multiple firefighters, putting them in headlocks, while on the job. The Chief told investigators that it's amongst a culture of "horseplay" within the district.

None of the employees interviewed ultimately pressed charges against Langmaid, but the person who the investigation centered around, did articulate they wanted him out of his position as Chief, while others contend that Langmaid created fears of retaliation through his leadership.

Investigation documents obtained by KRDO13 Investigates explain the central claims were around one firefighter in BFFD who reported to their superiors in June of 2024, that on three separate occasions in a 10-month span, Chief Langmaid put them into a firm chokehold which usually brought them to the ground and led to them needing to tap out to stay conscious.

PREVIOUS REPORTING: Black Forest Fire Captain claims retaliation, after being put on leave while Chief is investigated

*The identifies of those in the investigation documents have been hidden due to the nature of the allegations, and at the request of employees that have talked with KRDO13 Investigates.*

The first instance happened while the firefighter was trying to take a shovel from the Chief who was chipping ice out in front of one of their truck bays, as a gesture toward senior leadership not typically doing manual work around the station.

It was then the Chief fought over holding the shovel, and then swiftly moved to put the firefighter into a chokehold, and brought them to the ground. That firefighter stated "seeing stars" and nearly lost consciousness before tapping out.

In a second instance, the firefighter saw the Chief pull up to BFFD Station #2, and moved to go open the front door for him to walk inside. They said there was no conversation between them and the Chief, before Langmaid put them into a chokehold and they went down to the ground.

At some point while holding the firefighter in the chokehold, Langmaid said, “You’re not unconscious yet. It’s okay to tap.” The firefighter said on this occasion they came close to losing consciousness and could barely tap out. They stated that they didn’t feel like they were getting choked out of air, but rather blood flow to the brain.

In a third instance, after a debrief meeting after a call for service to a property within Black Forest, documents explain that the firefighter went to open a vehicle door for Langmaid. As they were walking to the rear “D-post” of the vehicle, Langmaid pushed them and they hit their head on the D-post. The firefighter had a Boonie hat on, that was ripped off when they hit their head. They then fell to the ground. They quickly got up and continued towards the door to open it for Langmaid. As the firefighter approached the door Langmaid put them in a chokehold, and they went to the ground so they tapped out right away. The firefighter stated after this incident their head “was on fire.” claiming to one colleague they though they had a concussion. They stated they saw a woman with three children in their backyard who witnessed the incident as well.

During these instances, the firefighter stated to investigators that the Chief used the phrase "meeting the wizard", which they interpreted as "going unconscious." One other person who was also choked out by the Chief later corroborated to deputies that they had heard the phrase spoken out loud as well, but didn't know who it came from.

One Fire Lieutenant who witnessed the aforementioned third choke-out after the debrief meeting, told deputies that he was upset about it happening because it was in public. They did not have any conversation with Langmaid about the incidents, but said they probably should have. They stated that in times that they have had a difference of opinion with Langmaid, Langmaid goes “toe to toe” with them.

In talking with more employees the Sheriffs found that other employees had also been choked out by the Chief, outside of just the original person who reported the three instances. Those employees explain the chokeholds would happen during rather simple situations, such as one instance, where a firefighter offered to take a gas pump from the Chief's hands to fill up a firetruck, in a similar gesture toward seniority at the station like in the reported ice-chipping incident.

In another case, a newer firefighter who was still on probation was looking to grab Langmaid a cup of coffee for him, and it turned into a “wrestling thing” for the coffee. They were then put in a headlock by Langmaid, and he said, “tap out if you want me to release you.” They stated they were about to blackout and so they tapped out. At the time, they viewed it as “all fun and games.”

A Fire Lieutenant who witnessed that incident asked the firefighter if they were okay afterward, and they told them they were [okay]. The lieutenant asked if they wanted to report the incident, and they said no. The probationary firefighter did however mention to Sheriffs deputies that they never experienced, or saw behavior like that during their time with Colorado Springs Fire Department prior to coming to BFFD.

Several firefighters, both current and former, conceited that wrestling and messing around is normal in the fire district, however they say that the Chief's chokehold was not normal firehouse banter behavior. On the contrary, some also said they were unbothered by their choking encounters with the Chief, and thought nothing of it afterwards.

In talking to employees about the choking incidents, deputies also documented what appear to be feelings of fear and uneasiness about Langmaid's leadership behaviors within the district.

One executive staff member even quotes Langmaid having stated in the past:

• "I'm not above violence."
• “If they get off the reservation, I will hunt them down and bring them back.”
• “I’d rather go back to breaking horses than work with wild mustangs.”
• “I might be the most evil person that works here.”

That same executive staff member expressed a worry to Sheriff's deputies that, "We are all nervous that if Langmaid comes back to work, he will retaliate against [them]."

One Fire Lieutenant described the Chief's attitude as “his way or the highway", adding that there is a widespread fear of retaliation from Langmaid if they or anyone else reports him for anything. The lieutenant says they know how to handle Langmaid, but others keep to themselves when Langmaid is around.

After conducting several interviews, Sheriffs deputies called Langmaid to get his input. Langmaid told deputies over the phone that it was a culture of "horseplay", and later that afternoon agreed to drive to the Sheriffs office in Colorado Springs for a lengthy interview which was recorded and submitted as evidence, but not shared within the investigation documents.

KRDO13 Investigates could not reach Langmaid by phone on Monday, and upon arrival at his home address in Black Forest, were turned away by private property signs that were hung across the driveway, which were not seen there in late-July during previous reporting.

A statement issued to KRDO13 Investigates by the District's Board of Directors explains that there are negotiations underway for Chief Langmaids departure from BFFD, and that an interim Chief from Colorado Springs Fire Department has now been contracted in light of Langmaid's absence.

"At the August 21st, 2024 Regular Board of Directors Meeting of the Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, the Board authorized District Counsel to negotiate terms of departure of PJ Langmaid from the Black Forest Fire Department. Mr. Langmaid remains on the District’s roster during this process. The Board is not at liberty to further discuss any ongoing personnel matters.

Pursuant to previous Board authorizations, in late July, the Board of Directors has contracted with 2 CSFD Battalion Chiefs to provide Interim Operational Fire Chief duties, on a part-time basis, on behalf of BFFD. As the title denotes, this role was intended as operational only.

In recognition of the vacancy of the role of Fire Chief following the August 21st Board meeting, the Board of Directors held a Special Meeting on September 5th, 2024, for consideration of appointment of an Interim Fire Chief. The Board was presented with a highly-qualified candidate, in one of the current Interim Operational Fire Chiefs, with the background and experience needed by BFFD at this time. As Chief Bartlett has been providing services as Interim Operational Fire Chief, the Board unanimously agreed to the appointment of Chief Josh Bartlett as Interim Fire Chief for BFFD, . Chief Bartlett will continue in this role, consistent with the District Bylaws, until such time as the District identifies and hires a permanent Fire Chief for BFFD."

Nate Dowden - Chairman, Board of Directors
Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District

A Colorado Springs Fire Department spokesperson explained that Chief Bartlett's employment and hours with CSFD will not be impacted by the contracted position with BFFD, as he will only work during his off-duty hours. They stated that Bartlett will not be compensated extra by the city for his outside employment.

CSFD says it's not uncommon for city fire employees to be allowed to have outside employment as long as it does not impede their job performance or ability to fulfill city responsibilities. Firefighters typically work 24 hour shifts, with four days off-duty per week, leaving time for other work opportunities.