As a combination fire department, the Elk Creek Fire Protection District relies heavily on community members who volunteer to serve their community as emergency responders. Our volunteer responders must meet the same stringent character, training and fitness criteria required of any Colorado professional firefighter or EMT. If you already possess current firefighter or EMS provider qualifications, live in our district, and are interested in volunteering for Elk Creek Fire, please review the information below and contact the Administrative Office by emailing bstockton@elkcreekfire.org for more information.
- Firefighting is Dangerous
Firefighting is an inherently dangerous activity; because of this fact, ECFPD prioritizes the safety of its members. Safety is infused into our culture through scheduled in-house classroom and hands-on training activities, expert guest instructors, employee policies, standard operating procedures, and by always watching out for each other.
We send our new members to rigorous classes to learn how to properly handle emergencies. Existing members must continue to learn, train, and improve throughout the year and must maintain current certifications on various aspects of firefighting. We ensure that members are familiar with our trucks and equipment prior to use, all members help to maintain our equipment and trucks so that they are in good working condition, and we work as a team together. As you become more experienced with our safety procedures and equipment you will be more involved during fire and rescue calls.
- Volunteer Opportunities
Every member of ECFPD is trained to a minimum standard level as a State of Colorado certified Firefighter I, Hazmat Operations Responder, Basic Wildland Firefighter, and Medical First Responder. Additionally, opportunities for further training exist for those interested in focusing and excelling in a certain areas, such as:
- Advanced Medical – EMT Basic through Paramedic
- Advanced Engine Operations
- Rescue and Extrication Techniques
- Advanced Wildland Courses
- Officer Leadership Skills
- Membership Requirements
In order to apply with ECFPD as a Firefighter / Emergency Responder, you must be able to meet the following requirements:
- Be a legal resident of the United States.
- Be at least 21 years of age.
- Possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License.
- Possess a high school diploma or GED.
- Successfully pass a criminal background check.
- Provide proof of automobile insurance as required by Colorado law.
- Complete the application process.
- Successfully pass an "arduous duty" medical examination.
- Successfully pass a drug screening.
- Live within one air mile of ECFPD.
- How to Apply
- Meet the membership requirements listed.
- Call or email the Administrative Office regarding your interest in volunteering with ECFPD.
- Complete and submit the Application to ECFPD Administrative Offices during the current application period.
- Life as a Rookie
Once you are offered a position with ECFPD, you are a Rookie firefighter. You will be issued your bunker gear (fire protective pants, coat, and helmet), a voice pager that is used to alert you of emergency calls, and the rookie class training schedule. You will be assigned a station officer to help you with questions and concerns. For safety reasons, the Training Captain will advise you when you are permitted to respond to emergency calls as your skills base and knowledge increase.
Rookie training typically takes 9 to 12 months and includes the following activities:
- A 6-month rookie class that is usually one night per week and some Saturdays. This class includes structural firefighting, basic wildland, and hazardous materials training.
- A 40-hour medical First Responder class that teaches you first aid, CPR, and AED. This class is usually one night per week for 3-4 months.
- Certification as driver/ operator on three departmental apparatus.
- Requirements as a Member
Ongoing minimum tasks to remain as a firefighter in good standing include:
- Attend 10 operations meetings per year.
- Complete 36 training hours per year.
- Respond to 15 % of the annual calls.
- Maintain skill certifications.
- Complete annual medical proficiencies.
Of course, members are strongly encouraged to maintain levels well above the minimums listed above.
Being a safe and effective volunteer firefighter takes a significant commitment of your time and effort. It is also an impact to your family, and you should discuss it with them prior to applying in order to ensure a healthy work/life balance. Serving the community to help keep people and property safe is a hugely rewarding opportunity to give back to our neighbors.
Thank you very much for your interest in volunteering with ECFPD! It is through the volunteering spirit that we succeed as a department. If you have additional questions, please contact our Administrative Offices by emailing bstockton@elkcreekfire.org.