Tim Sendelbach is a 40-year veteran in the fire and emergency services, currently serving as the Fire Chief for the Loveland (CO) Fire Rescue Authority. Chief Sendelbach has an extensive leadership background, having served as a chief fire officer in seven states and in the private sector as a senior executive. His diverse experience includes leadership roles that span both public and private sectors, showcasing his ability to navigate complex challenges and drive innovative solutions.
Previously, Tim served as the Editor-in-Chief and Conference Director for Firehouse, overseeing content and editorial direction for Firehouse Magazine, Firehouse.com, Firehouse Expo, Firehouse World, and related products. He also served as the Editor-in-Chief for FireRescue Magazine and Firefighternation.com, demonstrating his deep commitment to advancing fire service knowledge through editorial excellence.
Tim holds a variety of prestigious credentials, including being a credentialed Chief Fire Officer and Chief Training Officer with the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE). He earned a master’s degree in Leadership from Bellevue University, bachelor’s degrees in Fire Administration and Arson, and an associate’s degree in Emergency Medical Care from Eastern Kentucky University.
His dedication to the fire service extends beyond his roles as an editor and educator. Tim has contributed significantly to numerous fire service publications, including The Instructor for the International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI), The Volunteer Voice, Firehouse.com Members Zone, National Fire & Rescue, The Atlantic Firefighter, and the Fire & Emergency Television Network (FETN), for which he wrote and developed the featured “SURVIVAL!” program. He has been a featured speaker at events across 48 U.S. states, six Canadian provinces, and two Australian provinces.
Tim’s achievements have been widely recognized. In 2015, Eastern Kentucky University College of Justice & Safety Alumni Society honored him as a Distinguished Alumnus for his contributions to the Justice & Safety Community. In 2014, he presented the keynote address at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Life Safety Summit, attended by 200 of the most influential fire service leaders. In 2007, Tim delivered the keynote at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis and served on the City of Charleston Post-Incident Assessment and Review Team following the Sofa Super Store Fire, which tragically claimed the lives of nine firefighters.
His innovative contributions to firefighter safety and training were recognized in 2002 when he was awarded the Innovator of the Year Award by the ISFSI. Additionally, he received the George Hughes Award in 2001 from the Texas Association of Fire Educators (TAFE) for his outstanding accomplishments as a speaker and trainer in Texas.
A strong advocate for firefighter health and wellness, Tim also competes in long-distance triathlons and fitness events worldwide, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining personal fitness while promoting wellness within the fire service.