A DAY IN THE LIFE

Once a new resident passes the 12-week Fire Academy and receives Firefighter 1 Certification, they work five 48-hour shifts each month. Additionally, residents attend degree coursework and approved training in the Fire Science Technology curriculum at Colorado Mountain College. Managing work, school, training and fire department responsibilities requires an above average level of organization and commitment.

The Program and the Fire District hold Resident Firefighters to extremely high expectations. Residents are involved in the organization of their own program to build leadership and communication skills. At the end of the three year program, they have experience in teaching and program delivery in addition to the many emergency management skills they have acquired. It is an intense experience that shapes and molds our residents into successful career firefighters.

ERFPD's resident program is fast-paced but rewarding academic career. When residents are not answering calls, training or attending class they have the opportunity to experience all that Colorado has to offer - skiing, hiking, mountain biking, mountaineering, fly fishing whitewater rafting, and more. These unique outdoor opportunities, combined with education, certification, and hands-on training create one of the most sought after esteemed training programs in the country.

The Eagle River Valley is a sportsman's paradise, providing countless outdoor activities such as hiking, mountaineering, and skiing/snowboarding, fly fishing, whitewater rafting, and biking.

Test Day - What to Expect

• Applicants chosen to test for the 2009 academy will be selected by October of 2008. The written aptitude test includes basic comprehension and problem-solving skills.
• Timed, pass/fail physical agility test with hose-drag, hose-pack carry up stairs, charged-hose line drags, ladder and appliances stations, and dummy rescue drag.
• A tour of the fire district and ERFPD stations will be conducted between the agility test and the interview process.
• A panel interview is conducted and the candidate should be prepared to discuss their future career plans with the interview committee.
• A waiting list will be established for the 2009 Fall Fire Academy.

Eagle River Fire Protection District On-line Application 124 kb

Our Success Rates

Those who go through the Resident Firefighter Program at ERFPD are not just qualified to become a professional firefighter - they graduate with the qualifications and real life experience to hit the ground running with any fire department throughout the country. The proof is in the numbers: ERFPD places over 80% of its residents in positions with professional fire departments in their first year after graduation.

Our residents receive certification, training, and experience that are respected industry-wide. We take our responsibility to prepare residents for a career in professional firefighting seriously, and our residents come out of the program with the knowledge and ability that countless fire departments seek in the hiring process.