In most cases, there is a predictable sequence of events. First, you need to show an interest in joining the department by attending meetings and trainings. Volunteers contribute in many ways: do you have other skills the department could use? Whether you have engineering background, management experience, communications qualifications or life skills like driving big rigs or a familiarity of working with pumps or small engines, tell us.

If you have predictable or unpredictable demands on your time let us know.It’s your responsibility to keep us updated on your life to the extent it affects your ability to participate.

Then, you will be given gear.This is our way of asking you to step up to the next level. Lou Ann Shirley (Q, the Quartermaster) issues the gear after the Chief give the OK. Forest fire gear costs approximately $450. Here's how to get wildland boots. Bunker gear costs another $1,000. You will need to get a bag or bags to store your gear in; keep Nomex stuff out of the sun, even in your car. You will need to bring both sets of gear to every call. After that, you will be given a pager/monitor (see  the Response Guide for new members), and the Four Mile procedures book.

Four Mile is a learning organization. We are always practicing old skills and learning new ones. We do our best to use trainings and calls as learning experiences -- there is no routine call because no two incidents are the same. In general, the department will pay for your training unless you are likely to be in the department for only a short time.

You will be asked to take Firefighter 1 (FFI) and Wildland Basic Fire Fighter S-130/S-190. The Firefighter 1 Academy  (sponsored by Ames Community College and BCFFA) lasts 4 ½ months and is offered every winter, starting in January. Classes meet one or two  weekday nights and one weekend day. The Wildland Basics course is given in the Spring and involves 6 days of day or evening classes plus one weekend. Both courses are held at the Boulder County Fire Training Center in North Boulder. These are valuable courses, not just for use in the fire department but also as residents of the canyon.

Medical training is encouraged. More than half of our calls involve medical response. You can take a first responder course or basic Emergency Medical Technician  (EMT). Both classes are offered several times a year. Like FFI, the EMT course requires a significant time commitment: 120-150 hours of training. The first responder course is a lower intensity option if you're not sure how much medical response you'll be interested in. All firefighters are expected to take a CPR class, and we usually offer one per year as part of our regular training schedule. After you successfully complete your EMT training you will be given a personal Med Kit with basic medical supplies and an oxygen bottle.

Beyond this, everyone is expected to come to the regular monthly trainings, and take advantage of other training opportunities as they occur. The goal is to be safe and competent when responding to a call.