As fire fighters and emergency medical workers, we take an oath to do everything we can to safeguard human life. Our heartfelt condolences are with Elijah McClain’s family and friends.

While we respect the jury and the legal process, we are disappointed with today’s verdict. Filing charges against paramedics for a patient’s death is largely unprecedented. The City of Aurora and the Adams County District Attorney both concluded criminal charges against Jeremy Cooper and Pete Cichuniec shouldn't be filed. Despite that, Governor Polis issued an Executive Order demanding the state Attorney General launch his own investigation. They chose politics over public safety.

This case will have a chilling impact on pre-hospital care across Colorado. When politics drive prosecution, it jeopardizes a paramedic's ability to make split-second decisions in dynamic environments, putting public safety at risk.