Chronicle Parker
PARKER 1.3.13
January 4, 2013 A Colorado Community Media Publication
Douglas County, Colorado • Volume 11, Issue 10
Jaeger proud of his legacy
2012: A BANNER YEAR
Water boss leaves after 31 years By Chris Michlewicz
c m i c h l e w i c z @ o u rc o l o r a d o news.com
In one of our Images of the Year, Chaparral’s Josh Adams tips in the game-winning shot during overtime of the Wolverines’ 69-67 victory against Arapahoe during the 5A boys basketball state championship game. For more photo highlights from 2012, turn to pages 4 and 5. File photo by Courtney Kuhlen
Officers attempted to save suicidal man Dan Darfler, 62, died despite negotiations By Chris Michlewicz
cmichlewicz@ourcoloradonews.com A suicidal man whom SWAT team negotiators attempted to help has died. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the 9000 block of Windhaven Drive in the Pinery shortly before 12:30 p.m. Dec. 28 on a report of a suicidal adult male armed with a shotgun. First responders secured a perimeter and regional SWAT teams were called in and tried to communicate with the man. He reportedly would not put his gun down and allow officers to assist him. “Over a period of hours, several attempts to defuse the situation were used to get the male subject to comply with officers and put the gun down,” a statement from the sheriff’s office says. “This included negotiations to no avail.” Dan Darfler, 62, sustained a self-inflicted gun-
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shot wound to the chest and was transported with life-threatening injuries to Parker Adventist Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, said county Coroner Lora Thomas. The sheriff’s office requested that the 18th Judicial Critical Response Team conduct an “impartial and thorough investigation,” which it says is a standard procedure. No shots were fired by law enforcement officers and there were no other injuries. Darfler’s LinkedIn profile says he was employed with T. Rowe Price as vice president of national sales. He had been a sales professional for some of the top investment management companies. Authorities did not discuss a motive for the suicide and it’s unclear whether Darfler left a note. No further information will be released until the conclusion of the Critical Response Team investigation. The coroner’s office recorded five suicides in December, compared with three in December 2011. Thomas said the often-repeated adage about an increase in suicides around the holidays is a myth. Ten suicides were reported in June. There were 44 suicides in Douglas County in 2012, two fewer than in 2011.
Frank Jaeger has never been shy about speaking his mind. It’s a personality trait that has at times worked against him. It’s also one that has earned him a great deal of respect among those in the water and sewer industry. In his 31 years as Parker Water and Sanitation District manager, Jaeger’s reputation as a brash, bullish leader often preceded him. But all the murmurings about his perceived social shortcomings didn’t matter, as long as he got the job done. “I’ve always understood that I had a reputation, a sort of toughness. It intimidated people, and I let it intimidate some people when it was necessary for the benefit of the district,” he says. “If people want to denigrate me for that fact, I don’t care.” Despite departing earlier than expected — Jaeger frequently pledged to retire when he died, but was forced out after a change in board leadership — the 67-year-old is leaving with his head held high. He said he never compromised the integrity of the position and has “done all I can do for Parker Water.” At the recommendation of a neighbor, Jaeger joined the board of directors for the fledgling, financially troubled PWSD in 1981. He soon became its manager and was instrumental in turning around a district that was headed in the wrong direction. Since that time, Jaeger has slowly built up the district’s infrastructure, received permission to divert excess flows from Cherry Creek, and got public authorization to build RueterHess Reservoir, which at the time
Frank Jaeger served as district manager of the Parker Water and Sanitation District for 31 years. Friends and colleagues celebrated his successes during a retirement party on Dec. 18. Photo by Chris Michlewicz
was the first federally approved off-stream reservoir in more than 20 years. Jaeger plans to enjoy his retirement by golfing (without keeping score), hunting, fishing and taking vacations with his wife, but will continue to offer guidance on water issues that affect Colorado. He is a lifetime member of the Colorado Water Congress and will regularly visit the Capitol to review the merits of proposed legislation. “They know I won’t be silent and will give honest opinions,” he said. Jaeger will take credit only for “surrounding myself with good people,” and says it’s the PWSD staff that should be recognized for helping the district flourish and, for example, earning it a AAA- bond credit rating. He gives special acknowledgment to Jim Nikkel, his right-hand man and project manager who oversaw the construction of Rueter-Hess. It was the staff that stuck resolutely by Jaeger’s side as he faced backlash over budget decisions that some opponents characterized as irresponsible. Three new board members were elected in May and had plans to oust Jaeger immediately, but they kept Jaeger on staff during a tumultuous sixmonth transition period. Jaeger has battled not only criticism, but also debilitating health issues. He has had numerous operations, including a spinal fusion and nine stents placed in his heart. He was diagnosed in 1979 with multiple sclerosis, which he believes is the underlying reason for his earlier medical discharge from the Army. He got his work ethic and durability from his mother, a “tough, old Swedish woman” who raised 12 kids and never complained. “I’m a pretty resilient guy. I will keep on keeping on,” he says. “That’s who I am and that’s who I’ve always been.”
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