Board of Directors

Rick L. Young 

Board President

May 2025 – May 2029

Rick L. Young has served on the Elizabeth Fire Protection District Board of Directors since 1998, bringing over five decades of experience in public safety to his leadership role. His career spans law enforcement, fire service, and emergency management, including roles as both a volunteer and career firefighter in several metro Denver departments. He also served as an instructor in the Fire Science Technology program at Red Rocks Community College and provided global consulting in fire and emergency response for the mining industry.

Director Young’s commitment to the community is rooted in a lifelong belief in giving back. As Board President, he is dedicated to ensuring the district remains well-prepared to meet any challenge. He champions initiatives that support firefighter training, safety, and readiness, and is a strong advocate for prevention, education, and adherence to national safety standards like those set by the NFPA.

Since retiring from professional service in 2023, Director Young enjoys spending time with his wife of 47 years, their two adult daughters, and grandchildren. He stays active through camping, traveling, and volunteering with the Sheriff’s Office, where he assists with emergency operations using UAV (drone) technology.

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Scott Christensen

Board Vice President 

May 2023 – May 2027 

Scott Christensen has been a dedicated member of the Elizabeth Fire Protection District since 1988, joining during the pivotal merger of Elizabeth Fire and Elizabeth Ambulance. With a lifelong passion for emergency services, Director Christensen chose to serve on the Board of Directors as a way to continue supporting the district while balancing the demands of his full-time role at Cunningham Fire Protection District and part-time work as a paramedic with Foothills Ambulance.

Director Christensen’s professional journey spans over four decades in fire and emergency medical services. His experience includes serving as a Firefighter/EMT with Hudson Fire District (1980–1985), Driver Operator/Paramedic/Acting Lieutenant with Cunningham FPD (1984–2010), and Paramedic at Bandimere Speedway (1992–2024). His deep connection to Elizabeth Fire—his “second family”—has given him a front-row seat to the district’s remarkable growth and evolution.

Now fully retired, Director Christensen remains committed to the district’s mission and its people, whom he considers the most important asset. He continues to advocate for the resources, care, and support that firefighters need to serve the community effectively. In retirement, Director Christensen enjoys spending quality time with his wife and takes pride in helping her with the projects and tasks they’ve dreamed of completing together over the years.

Don Means

Board Treasurer

May 2023 – May 2027

Don Means has been a dedicated member of the Elizabeth community since 1997 and brings over four decades of experience in insurance and community service to the Elizabeth Fire Protection District Board of Directors. As an agent with Farmers Insurance & Financial Services since 1985, Director Means has proudly supported the insurance needs of countless families and businesses in the area.

In addition to his professional work, Director Means has a long history of civic involvement. He has served on several town boards, including the Main Street Board, and is a past president of the Elizabeth Area Chamber of Commerce. He currently serves on multiple nonprofit boards and is the Treasurer for the Bearded Collie of America Charitable Trust. His agency is also a proud sponsor of the annual First Responders Day, a community event that honors local heroes.

Director Means is passionate about giving back and believes strongly in the importance of community service. He values the opportunity to work alongside the dedicated staff and firefighters at Elizabeth Fire, who provide essential services to both the town and surrounding areas.

Outside of his board duties, Director Means and his wife Elodji enjoy working on their property and traveling. They’ve had the pleasure of visiting Italy, Israel, and various destinations across the United States.

Wayne A. Austgen

Board Secretary

May 2023 – May 2027

Wayne A. Austgen has proudly called the Elizabeth Fire Protection District home for over 30 years. A dedicated public servant, Director Austgen retired from the South Metro Fire Department after 28 years of distinguished service as a firefighter, Fire Prevention Officer, and Fire Investigator. His deep-rooted commitment to fire safety and community well-being continues through his role on the Board of Directors.

Director Austgen serves on the Board with a clear mission: to help build the Elizabeth Fire Protection District into the very best fire department for its citizens. Drawing on decades of frontline experience, he brings valuable insight and leadership to ensure the district remains responsive, resilient, and ready to serve.

When he’s not working to strengthen the district, Director Austgen enjoys the peace and pace of country living, embracing the joys of retirement with his family, and engaging in the activities that come with a well-earned slower lifestyle.

Stacey Collis

Board Director

May 2025 – May 2029

Stacey Collis brings a wealth of experience in public safety and education to the Elizabeth Fire Protection District Board of Directors. He holds a B.S. in Law Enforcement Administration from Western Illinois University and served in law enforcement for 33 years, including 29 years with the Lakewood Police Department. His career focused heavily on school safety, beginning in the 1990s with DARE and School Resource Officer (SRO) programs. In 2001, Director Collis began his long-standing assignment at Green Mountain High School, where he served as an SRO until his retirement in 2018.

Throughout his career, Director Collis has been a passionate educator and advocate for youth safety. He has taught on topics such as internet safety, teen suicide prevention, marijuana awareness, and relationship-building. He also served as president of the Colorado Association of School Resource Officers (CASRO), receiving the prestigious “Lifetime Membership Award” in 2018. Today, Director Collis continues to teach and consult through his business, 2020 Safe Schools, and serves as a NASRO Basic SRO and Adolescent Mental Health trainer.

Director Collis is proud to serve on the Board of Directors, where he finds inspiration in the dedication and passion of the Elizabeth Fire team. He values the opportunity to contribute to a community filled with outstanding employees, leaders, and support staff.

Outside of his board service, Director Collis enjoys golfing, baking sourdough bread, learning new things, and teaching through his business and NASRO. He also loves working around his property and spending quality time with his wife, Paula.