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February 20, 2014 Douglas County, Colorado | Volume 13, Issue 5 A publication of
lonetreevoice.net
Answers sought in teen suicides State’s second-leading cause of death among young people claims 4 locally in 2 weeks By Jane Reuter
jreuter@coloradocommunitymedia.com Four Douglas County teens were lost to suicide in less than two weeks — a number equal to the total of teen suicides in the county in 2013. The deaths recorded between Jan. 31 and Feb. 11 appear unrelated and do not point to copycat syndrome. “We have not found there’s any commu-
nication, any tie between them,” Douglas County Coroner Lora Thomas said. “But like many of the suicide cases we have sadly investigated, mental illness can play a role in suicides.” Thomas would not discuss specifics about any of the cases, including the manner of death and what led to the fatal decisions. The children range in age from 15 to 17, and include 15-year-old Mountain Vista High School sophomore Robert Klamo. He fatally shot his mother and then himself in their Highlands Ranch home Jan. 31; he reportedly was undergoing treatment for mental illness. Two of the four attended
Douglas County High School. The teen deaths have prompted communitywide concern. The Douglas County School District sent an email to parents that included suicidal behavior warning signs, resources and tips for talking to students. Two Castle Rock churches held prayer vigils. The cases haunt Thomas, who has studied suicide extensively to try to slow or prevent the incidents, and who visited this week with one of the teen’s parents. “These parents loved this kiddo desperately and they did everything they could,” she said. “It’s almost like he was this fragile little Christmas ornament. They carried
him along for so long to protect him, but something happened and he slipped out of their hands. “When I look in the eyes of these parents that are devastated…” Thomas trailed off and paused before continuing. “Gosh, what can we do to help these kids?” Thomas and others in the mental health field hope publicizing the suicides will prompt vital conversations between teens and adults. In 2002, the suicides of four Jefferson County School District teens in an 11-month-period prompted community Suicide continues on Page 13
Ex-chief seeks new law post
A GLIMPSE OF SPRING
Longtime top cop started career in Pueblo County By Jane Reuter
jreuter@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Unseasonable temperatures drew golfers back to the Lone Tree Golf Course for some mid-winter play Feb. 16. Photo by Jane Reuter
Former tech innovator to lead libraries Robert Pasicznyuk, a familiar face in Douglas County, replacing LaRue By Virginia Grantier
vgrantier@coloradocommunitymedia. com Robert “Bob” Pasicznyuk, who had a reputation for changing the face of a library with technology tools, was hired in 2004 when Jamie LaRue, now retired, was Douglas County Libraries’ executive director. Then in 2009, Pasicznyuk — pronounced Paz-nick — left his senior technology role when Cedar Rapids, Iowa’s library system, devastated by floods, needed a leader that could bring it back. He reportedly brought it back. Now, he’s back. The Douglas County Libraries Board of Trustees has selected him to replace the recently retired LaRue as the next director of the libraries and he’ll assume his new role on May 5. “With today’s announcement, we feel we have found the right person for the job. We chose Bob because of his experience with strategic planning, his broad knowledge
of information technology, and his overall business acumen,” said Bob Morris, Douglas County Libraries board president. In Iowa, Pasicznyuk was project manager for two simultaneous building projects: a $46.6 million flagship library and a $2.5 million branch library. In addition, he reversed a decade of eroding library support and steady decline, according to a news release. “Over the years, Bob has been acknowledged numerous times by both his Pasicznyuk peers and community and is recognized as a leader in libraries,” Morris said. “He impressed us as a strategist and outstanding project leader. We are excited to have him join the team at Douglas County Libraries and lead the organization.” Pasicznyuk said some people perceive libraries as being only warehouses for books. But he said LaRue helped him realize how libraries could assist in fulfilling people’s dreams… and become the heart of the community. He said in Cedar Rapids, the main library is now the community’s hub.
“We just booked our 19th wedding in the building,” he said. And the high school seniors in a town 30 minutes away want to hold their prom at the library because it’s viewed as being that cool. But Pasicznyuk said he’s returning in part because Colorado is deeply in his blood — and because of this tremendous opportunity with another stellar staff. “I am honored and humbled by this opportunity. I look forward to joining this innovative organization and working in a community I have always thought so highly of. I am excited to work with the talented staff and our community partners as we continue to advocate for literacy and lifelong learning.” LaRue, who retired in January after 23 years, said recently that Pasicznyuk was the “key architect of the district’s move to self check.” “He’s a very clear and strategic thinker…,” LaRue said. LaRue also described Pasicznyuk as a really bright and insightful man, who has a wonderfully dry sense of humor and is an historian and technologist by inclination. If he were to compare Pasicznyuk to any book or book’s character, “I’d put him as Lincoln in `Team of Rivals,’” he said.
Former Lone Tree Police Chief Steve Hasler is running for sheriff in Pueblo County. Hasler, Lone Tree’s first chief, served from the department’s 2004 launch until his controversial August 2012 firing. Hasler, who worked for the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office in the early 1990s, seeks to unseat current Pueblo County Sheriff Kirk Taylor. He did not return calls requesting comment on his campaign. Hired in 2004 to head Lone Tree’s police department, Hasler was dismissed “without cause” by former Lone Tree City Manager Jack Hidahl in 2012. Hasler filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in March 2013, alleging retaliatory Hasler termination. He consistently maintained the action was linked to a harassment/hostility complaint filed against Hidahl from a female police department employee. Hidahl, who retired in January after 18 years as city manager, never discussed the reasons for Hasler’s dismissal. He also declined to comment on the former chief’s Pueblo County campaign. Lone Tree city attorney Neil Rutledge said he has no new information on Hasler’s case. “He filed a complaint with the EEOC; I have heard nothing since,” Rutledge said Feb. 12. An EEOC spokesman said it cannot comment on cases, even to confirm or deny a charge was filed. Hasler’s Denver attorney also did not return calls for comment. Hasler worked for the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office in 1991. He met his wife in Pueblo, and the couple started their family there, before he accepted a job with the Manitou Springs Police Department. He was Erie’s police chief for 10 years before taking the job in Lone Tree. Formerly a resident of Parker, county records show Hasler and his wife bought a home in Pueblo in June 2013. Lone Tree hired former Lakewood police commander Jeff Streeter as its second chief a year ago.
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