Join El Dorado Fire Rescue

Why Volunteer?

Across the United States, nearly 70% of all fire departments are staffed entirely or mostly by volunteers. In rural and suburban communities like El Dorado, volunteer firefighters are not a supplement to professional services — they are the service. When a neighbor's home is on fire, when a car accident closes a road, when a medical emergency strikes at 2 a.m., it is your fellow community members who respond.

Volunteering with El Dorado Fire Rescue is one of the most meaningful things you can do for the people around you. It is also one of the most personally rewarding — offering professional-grade training, a close-knit team, and the knowledge that your presence made a real difference in someone's worst moment.

Who We Are Looking For

We welcome applicants from all walks of life. You do not need prior fire or emergency medical experience. What we do need is:

• A genuine commitment to serving the El Dorado community
• Reliability — showing up when you say you will
• A willingness to learn and follow direction
• A valid New Mexico driver's license
• Minimum age of 18 years
• Ability to pass a background check and basic physical assessment

Volunteer Roles

There are several ways to contribute to El Dorado Fire Rescue depending on your interests, availability, and physical ability.

Firefighter / First Responder

Operational members respond to emergency incidents including structure fires, wildland fires, vehicle accidents, technical rescues, and medical emergencies. Firefighters work within the National Incident Management System (NIMS) under an Incident Commander and are trained to New Mexico State Fire Marshal standards.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

EMTs provide emergency medical assessment and care on scene and during transport. Many of our operational members hold dual certification as both firefighter and EMT. We strongly encourage and fully support members who wish to pursue EMT certification alongside their firefighting training.

Driver / Operator

Certified Driver/Operators are qualified to drive and pump department apparatus — engines, water tenders, and brush trucks. This is an advanced certification pursued after earning Firefighter I/II.

Support Member

Not every role happens on the fire line. Support members contribute through station maintenance, administrative assistance, community outreach, fundraising, and event coordination.

Training & Certification

All new operational members enter a structured onboarding and training program. The department covers the cost of initial certifications for volunteers who complete the program in good standing.

• Firefighter I — Required of all operational members. Covers fire behavior, SCBA, hose operations, search and rescue, and ventilation.
• Firefighter II — Builds on FF I with incident command, foam operations, and wildland interface.
• Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) — The entry-level wildland firefighting position; every member is expected to obtain this certification.
• CPR / AED / Basic First Aid — Required for all members. Re-certified every two years.
• ICS 100 / ICS 200 / NIMS 700 — Online FEMA courses required before responding to working incidents.
• Emergency Medical Responder — Entry level medical provider, assisting with patient assessment and care on scene.
• Emergency Medical Technician Basic — Trained in all aspects of basic emergency evaluation, care and transport.
• Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate — Highest practical level of prehospital care for volunteers.
• Paramedic — All patients in Santa Fe County recieve paramedic level care; EFR has paramedics in its ranks who work professionally with other services.

Time Commitment

• Monthly training nights — Typically two per month at the station in the evening.
• Emergency response — Members respond to calls as their schedule allows. Regular engagement is expected.
• Monthly membership meetings — Second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM.
• Community events — Fire prevention activities and fundraisers a few times per year.

Equipment & Gear

The department provides all personal protective equipment (PPE) to active members at no cost, including structural turnout gear, SCBA, helmet, uniform shirts, and a radio/pager for dispatch notification.

Benefits of Volunteering

• Professional firefighting and EMS training at no cost
• State-recognized certifications applicable to career fire service
• A close-knit team who look out for each other
• Leadership development opportunities
• Eligibility for the NM State Volunteer Firefighter LOSAP after qualifying service

How to Apply

1. Reach out. Call 505.466.1204 or email eldoradofire@comcast.net.
2. Visit the station. Come to a training night or monthly meeting to meet the team and ask questions.
3. Submit an application. Complete a written application and consent to a background check.
4. Interview. A brief, informal conversation with department officers.
5. Begin your probationary period. You will be assigned a mentor and begin your training pathway. Welcome to the team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to live in El Dorado?

You must live close enough to respond within a reasonable time. Applicants outside El Dorado are evaluated case-by-case based on response time.

I have no fire experience. Is that okay?

Absolutely. Motivation and reliability matter far more than prior experience. We train from the ground up.

Is there a cost to join?

No. The department covers all initial certification training and provides all required PPE.

Can I volunteer if I have a full-time job?

Yes — the majority of our members are employed full time. You respond when you are available.