CRIMINAL FIREFIGHTERS
CRIMINAL FIREFIGHTER IN COLORADO
No Criminal Charges for Aurora Firefighters After Dangerous “Chicken” Incident with Police Sergeant
Aurora, Colo. — Prosecutors have declined to file criminal charges against two Aurora firefighters who were accused of engaging in a reckless “game of chicken” earlier this year that ended with an Aurora police sergeant being forced off the road.
The incident, which occurred on a local roadway, quickly escalated from a strange confrontation to what the sergeant described as a life-threatening encounter. According to reports, the firefighters were allegedly driving directly toward the police sergeant’s vehicle in an apparent test of nerves, refusing to yield until the last moment. The sergeant, fearing for his life, swerved off the road to avoid a collision.
In his official statement, the sergeant said he believed the firefighters were intentionally trying to harm him, describing the event as “terrifying” and “unprovoked.” The Aurora Police Department launched an internal review, while prosecutors examined whether the firefighters’ conduct met the threshold for criminal charges such as reckless endangerment or assault.
After months of review, prosecutors announced that, while the behavior was “dangerous and deeply inappropriate,” there was insufficient evidence to prove criminal intent beyond a reasonable doubt. As a result, no criminal charges will be filed against either firefighter.
City officials have confirmed that both firefighters remain under administrative review by the Aurora Fire Department. Disciplinary action, including possible suspension or retraining, could still occur pending the outcome of the internal investigation.
The incident has sparked tension between Aurora’s fire and police departments, with union representatives calling for improved communication and professional conduct between emergency services. Aurora Police leadership has also expressed frustration over the decision not to prosecute, emphasizing that “no one—regardless of their badge—should endanger another public servant’s life.”
As of now, prosecutors maintain that the legal review is closed, but the case continues to raise questions about accountability, judgment, and trust among first responders tasked with protecting the same community they momentarily put at risk.
