This week, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office recognized eight volunteers at a graduation ceremony at the Office of the Sheriff, celebrating their successful completion of the 2026 Wildland Fire Academy.
Each graduate earned Firefighter II Certification.
The hands-on, three-week academy began on October 10, 2026, and provided each cadet with more than 65 hours of classroom instruction and field training. Including prerequisite coursework, the overall training program delivered more than 650 hours of instruction covering a broad range of wildland firefighting skills.
“I’m proud to welcome these newly certified volunteers to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Wildland Fire Unit and the broader wildland firefighting community,” said El Paso County Sheriff and Fire Warden Joseph Roybal. “Their training strengthens our ability to prepare for and respond to wildfires, while reinforcing the importance of prevention and mitigation. Their commitment to serving our community will help us better protect the people, property, and natural resources of the Pikes Peak region.”
Sheriff Roybal emphasized the ongoing wildfire threat facing El Paso County, recalling the devastating Waldo Canyon and Black Forest fires, which left a lasting impact on the region.
“The destruction caused by these fires is a reminder of how profoundly wildfires can affect our communities. By investing in education, preparedness, and mitigation, we can help reduce risks and build a safer, more resilient community.
“I’m grateful to our Wildland Fire Unit, partnering agency instructors, and staff for their dedication to preparing these volunteers for the challenges of wildland firefighting,” Roybal said. “Congratulations to our graduates for completing this demanding training and thank you for stepping forward to serve our community.”
Academy instruction covered essential skills, including fireline construction, emergency shelter deployment, portable pump operation, hose and ignition techniques, wildland firefighting tool maintenance, radio communications, engine operations and driving, weather briefings, medical triage, and more.
With their new certifications, the graduates join the more than 20 members of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Wildland Fire Unit. These volunteers play an important role in wildfire preparedness and response, helping protect lives, property, and natural resources throughout El Paso County.
