About us

Our Members

Non-Career Members:
Volunteers and Reserves How to join
as a Non-Career Member Career Members Community Members

Volunteers or Reserves?
What's the difference?

The short answer is that Volunteers get no money now, but may be eligible for the Volunteer Firefighter Pension Plan when they retire with at least ten years of service.

Reserves get small payments now, but are not eligible for pension.

All members (including Community Members) may receive non-cash benefits, such as an equipment or uniform allowance.

How to Join as a Non-Career Member

To be eligible for any form of non-career membership – volunteer, reserve, or community – you must be a legal resident of the United States, at least 18 years old. You must have a high school diploma or GED, and a valid Colorado driver’s license (exceptions may be considered on an individual basis).

In addition, line member (volunteer and reserve) applicants should be physically capable of performing the firefighting or EMS tasks for which they intend to be certified.

All members are expected to participate in various community outreach projects, such as Firewise assessments, school visits, or the Black Forest Festival.

Application Procedure

1. Visit the station and pick up an application, or attend a monthly member meeting and request an application at that time. Member meetings are held at the station the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm.

2. You must attend at least one membership meeting before submitting an application, but you may submit the application on the night of your first meeting.

3. Fill out the application, and turn it in with the following documents:

A copy of your driver’s license
A current DMV driving report
$7.00 (cash, or check made to the department) for a Colorado criminal background check. If you have been a resident of Colorado for fewer than three years, a background check is also required from your previous state(s) of residence until a total period of three years is covered.
Copies of relevant current medical and fire certificates – i.e., Healthcare Provider Level CPR card, Colorado State EMT and National Registry (if applicable) certificates, IV certificate, Firefighter certificate(s), EVOC certificate, etc.

4. The Department will review the application and supporting documents, and perform a criminal background check. If these are satisfactory, the new member coordinators will contact you to arrange an interview.

If you pass the interview and attend a second member meeting, you will be extended an offer to become a Black Forest Fire/Rescue trainee. All trainees will be assigned to an officer who will supervise their training and transition into the Department. During the New Member Academy, you will learn the procedures and equipment used at Black Forest Fire/Rescue.

Thank you for your interest
in Black Forest Fire/Rescue

If you have additional questions, send a note to our membership committee. If you'd rather come talk with us, you're welcome to visit the station during the day. If we're not out on a call, we'll be happy to show you around the station, answer your questions, and give you a membership application.