Volunteer firefighters have served Evergreen’s neighborhoods since 1948. The value of a volunteer department is immeasurable. While most metro area departments have firefighters isolated at stations, Evergreen’s firefighters are spread throughout the district, reducing the time needed for at least one firefighter to arrive on scene, assess the situation, order more resources and begin treatment, rescue or suppression activities. That our firefighters also know this district -- because they live, work and play here -- is also a benefit missing from paid departments.
Volunteer firefighters begin their careers in Evergreen in our academy where they earn certifications such as Colorado Firefighter I, NWCG Basic Wildland Firefighter (Red Card) and Hazardous Materials Awareness. Following that academy, many of the new firefighters opt to attend the Rescue Academy where they learn how to respond safely and efficiently to rescue situations such as extrications, low-angle rope rescues and pack-outs. They also attend a first responder course to learn pre-hospital emergency medical skills, which are integral for firefighters in rural agencies such as ours. Each month all of our firefighters attend classes to improve their skills for the myriad of emergencies -- from firefighter entrapment to falls, from crashes to ice rescues, from swift water rescues to hazardous material spills, and from searches to fire alarm activations -- that we face. EFR also conducts driver training for firefighters so they can learn how to operate our apparatus safely.
Volunteer firefighters don’t disappear after the emergency; they’re active in the community throughout the year at parades, the Big Chili Cook-Off, Skate the Lake, Safety Day and at schools during Fire Prevention Month. You'll probably see them at homeowners' meetings, little league games and at the grocery store, too.
Our personnel answered more than 2,000 emergency calls for the first time in 2005; each year the requests for our services increase, and we're proud to be the ones called upon to deliver those emergency services in our community.
