This week, ten individuals were honored during a graduation ceremony at the Office of the Sheriff in downtown Colorado Springs, marking the successful completion of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Wildland Fire Academy. Each graduate earned their Firefighter II Certification, signifying their readiness to serve as wildland firefighters.
The hands-on three-week Academy began on July 21 and included over 65 hours of classroom and hands-on field training per cadet. In total, the training process—including pre-requisite coursework—provided more than 650 hours of instruction across a wide range
of wildland firefighting skills.
“I am excited to welcome these highly trained individuals to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Wildland Fire Unit and the broader wildland fire community,” said El Paso County Sheriff and Fire Warden Joseph Roybal. “Education and mitigation are critical in preventing wildfires, and these newly certified volunteers will help us expand our efforts to keep our community safe.”
Sheriff Roybal highlighted the ongoing threat of wildfires in El Paso County, recalling the devastation of the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest Fires—tragedies which left lasting impacts on the region.
“To this day, we see the physical scars and hear stories of loss caused by those fires. They serve as powerful reminders of why fire prevention, education, and mitigation are so essential,” he said.
Sheriff Roybal also extended his appreciation to the instructors and staff who organized and led the Academy. “I want to thank our Wildland Fire Unit for delivering a top-tier training experience. Congratulations to our graduates and thank you for stepping up to serve as part of our dedicated and diverse volunteer team.”
Academy instruction covered an array of essential topics, including fire line construction, emergency shelter deployment, portable pump operation, hose and ignition techniques, wildland fire tool maintenance, radio communication, engine operations and driving, weather briefings, medical triage, and more.
These graduates now join the front lines of wildfire preparedness and response, standing ready to protect lives, property, and natural resources across El Paso County.
