COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — Five local residents have earned their Firefighter I Certification following their graduation from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Volunteer Wildland Fire Academy this week. The ceremony marked the successful completion of an intense training program that began on March 5 and culminated in over 325 hours of rigorous instruction and hands-on experience.
The Academy, designed to prepare volunteers for the demanding nature of wildland fire response, covered a wide array of essential skills. Cadets were trained in emergency shelter deployment, drafting from fire apparatus, radio protocol, basic medical triage, wildland fire tool maintenance, and engine operation. One of the highlights of the training included field exercises at the South Meridian burn scar, providing cadets with real-world experience in wildfire mitigation.
El Paso County Sheriff and Fire Warden, Joseph Roybal, expressed his enthusiasm for the new graduates, emphasizing the significance of their contributions to the community’s wildfire preparedness efforts.
“I am excited to welcome these five highly trained citizens to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Wildland Fire Unit and the Wildland Fire community,” said Sheriff Roybal. “Education and mitigation play a crucial role in wildfire prevention, and the addition of these newly certified volunteers will enable our Wildland Fire Unit to expand their efforts in keeping our community safe.”
El Paso County, which has endured the devastation of wildfires such as the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest Fires, faces a constant need for trained individuals who can respond to wildfire emergencies. The Sheriff highlighted that these fires caused significant loss of life and property and left lasting scars on the community.
“To this day, we have visual reminders and hear about the devastation caused by these fires—a true testament to the importance of fire mitigation, prevention, and education,” Sheriff Roybal added. “This Academy equips volunteers with the necessary skills to assist in preventing similar tragedies in the future.”
The Academy’s success can also be attributed to the efforts of the Sheriff’s staff and the Wildland Fire Unit, who worked diligently to ensure the program’s high standards. Sheriff Roybal extended his gratitude to all those involved in organizing and executing the Academy, particularly those within the Wildland Fire Unit.
In his closing remarks, the Sheriff congratulated the graduates and thanked them for their willingness to step up as volunteers, noting that their commitment would help safeguard the future of El Paso County.
With the addition of these newly certified volunteers, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Wildland Fire Unit is poised to further strengthen the county’s wildfire response capabilities, contributing to the broader efforts of fire prevention and community safety.
