Reserve (Volunteer) Firefighters

Becoming a reserve firefighter can be a very rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging. To help you better understand the rewards and challenges, we have outlined the requirements, commitments, and benefits to help you make the decision to become a reserve firefighter.

Application Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for a reserve firefighter position, you must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must possess a high school diploma or GED
• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License
• Must be eligible for employment in the United States

Certification and Skills

Once you have been selected to join our organization, you will be expected to operate in the same dynamic as our career firefighters. To accomplish this, our reserve firefighters are trained and tested to the same certifications and skills as our career firefighters. The required certifications include:

• Colorado State Firefighter 1
• Hazmat Operations
• State of Colorado and/or National Registry EMT-Basic
• ICS 100, 200, 700, 800
• NWCG S-130 & S-190

If you do not have the above certifications, then you would need to be willing to attend the East Metro Fire Training Consortium Academy that may be sponsored by us to obtain them. Academy typically begins in January of each year.

Emergency Medical Services & Firefighting

In addition to fire and wildland fire services, SFPD also provides rescue and medical services.  We respond frequently to medical calls, so training in medical services will be an important part of your role.

Applicants with EMT-B certifications or higher are preferred. Those without certification will have the opportunity to obtain their EMT-B through the East Metro Fire Training Consortium.

Time Requirements

Reserve Active Duty

To maintain your status as reserve firefighter with our organization, you need to commit to our reserve firefighter active duty requirements. As a reserve firefighter you supplement our career staff by staffing critical positions on our first due apparatus. Our minimum reserve active duty requirements include 36 hours of on duty shifts each month plus monthly and yearly training requirements. Additionally, we also host multiple community/public events each year that require reserve firefighter attendance.

We offer flexible shift scheduling and multiple training opportunities each month for you to select from providing you the ability to choose what works best for your family, work, and other personal commitments.

Reserve Firefighter Benefits

Becoming a reserve firefighter with SFPD has many benefits and rewards. Being part of an organization that helps your community and gives back to the citizens is at the top of the list. As a member with SFPD, you are part of an extended family that demonstrates our core values of Customer Service, Ownership, Respect, Integrity and Compassion in everything we do, providing you with a sense of purpose that goes beyond a typical lifestyle. In addition to this we also provide the following benefits:

• Advanced training and skills development
• Advancement and career opportunities
• Continuing Education Credits
• Hands on job training
• Accidental Life and Death Benefits

Are you up to the challenge and ready to take the next steps towards becoming a reserve firefighter?  If you are, our reserve firefighter hiring page will provide you with the details on the next steps towards becoming a part of our organization.

Although, if you are not looking to pull shifts, run calls or become a firefighter but still want to help SFPD and the community, then support services might be for you. Please click on the link to find out more about Support Services.