Combination Department Overview
Boulder Rural is staffed by about 25 highly-trained volunteers and 13 full time paid members. We have four types of members:
Full-Time Paid
We usually have two paid members on duty at all times (a Captain and a Paramedic), as well as an additonal paid firefighter during the day time. Volunteers provide the remaining staffing and substitute as needed. All members are certified as structural firefighters, wildland firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), Hazardous Materials Operations, and three of the staff are Nationally Registered Paramedics.
Part-Time Paid
Colorado certified Firefighter, and EMT or Paramedic. The Contract Specialist position is a part-time paid position used to fill in for full time paid staff.
Volunteer
This critical component of our department meets the same certification and continuing education/training standards as our paid component. The Firefighter/EMT completes four 12-hour duty shifts/month. Optionally, if the member lives or works in the nearby response area, they can choose to meet their requirements by responding to at least 10% of calls (we average about 1,100 calls/year). In their first year, FF/EMT's are required to begin their Colorado Firefighter I and Hazmat Operations certification (at department expense). This requires approximately 300 hours in addition to required in-house training. Requires current Colorado certification as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B). Two of our volunteer staff are Nationally Registered Paramedics.
Support
Does not respond to calls, but assists with administration, photography, and other support functions.
As a combination ALS (Advanced Life Support) department with three Nationally Registered Paramedics, BRFD is recognized for offering one of the most progressive training programs in the county. To ensure that we have a highly competent response, members are required to attend 50 hours of training per year. The Department provides all equipment and training.
Please consider joining us in our mission to provide superior customer service to your neighbors and your community. We are interested in recruiting volunteers from our Sunshine Canyon, Lake Valley, and the Heatherwood/Gunbarrel areas.