Passing the torch: Aspen Fire Protection District swears in new fire chief on Friday

Passing the torch: Aspen Fire Protection District swears in new fire chief on Friday

Jake Andersen will take the reins from Fire Chief Rick Balentine on Friday, Aug. 1, in a ceremony for the Aspen Fire Protection District. Andersen, who is originally from Newcastle, Colorado, began a career in fire protection early in life. “I’ve been doing this since before I was even out of high school,” he said. “I always knew this would be what I’d be doing, but I never thought I’d be a fire chief.” He started as a volunteer for the fire dep…