It sounds like the Cortez Fire Protection District is playing a vital role in wildfire response, not only within Colorado but potentially beyond state lines as well. The seasonal work for both Juniors and Career Firefighters through the U.S. Forest Service is incredibly valuable, and the fact that the federal government reimburses for those efforts helps support the program’s growth and sustainability.

In addition to front-line fire protection and mitigation, the involvement in helicopter and flight management is crucial, especially in wildfires where aerial support can make a significant difference. The public information and data publicity positions also highlight the importance of educating and keeping the community informed during wildfire incidents.

Becoming a Cortez Fire Protection District (CFPD) volunteer firefighter is a noble and impactful decision. It requires dedication, commitment, and a strong desire to serve your community, all while undergoing extensive training and preparation. Volunteer firefighters play a crucial role in responding to emergencies, performing firefighting duties, and supporting career firefighters. Although compensation is minimal, the sense of fulfillment from helping others and being a key part of the community is immeasurable.

For communities like those served by the Cortez Fire Protection District, volunteer firefighters are vital. They respond to a wide range of emergencies, ensuring safety and timely assistance during critical moments. Therefore, it’s important that every volunteer receives the necessary training to perform their duties effectively and safely. This training not only protects the lives of those they serve but also safeguards the volunteer firefighters themselves and their colleagues.

The Volunteer Firefighter Program is designed to provide a safe work environment for all members. This includes structured oversight, comprehensive training, and integration into the fire department's operations, such as fire prevention, life safety education, and emergency response. By participating in this program, volunteers are empowered to deliver quality, cost-effective emergency services, helping their community while adhering to the mission, goals, and objectives of the Cortez Fire Protection District.

Ultimately, volunteering as a firefighter is about more than just responding to emergencies—it's about building a resilient, supportive community where everyone works together for the common good.

FPD provides an annual Fire Academy for future firefighters for Cadets from Rico Fire, Dolores Fire, Lewis-Arriola Fire, Pleasant View Fire, Mancos Fire, West Fork Fire and Cortez Fire.

This programs includes months of intense instruction in firefighter training and certification. This program promotes dedication, professionalism, integrity, respect, and enthusiasm toward themselves, their fellow firefighters and their communities. The number one priority of the Academy instruction is Safety, Safety, Safety. Sections of the Academy include HazMat Operations, FireFighter I, and Wildland.

These classes meet weekly for numerous in-class instruction, skills training and testing, burn tower training, a final State of Colorado test and graduation for a successful completion of the Academy. Maintaining an 80% overall grade average is required to pass the Academy. Sections of the Academy classes are rotated monthly between the different Fire Stations from the above Fire Districts.

The Cortez Fire Protection District is committed to giving community members the opportunity to learn about and experience the field of Emergency Services through our organized Observer Program.

If you're interested in participating, you must meet the program requirements and follow all policies, protocols, and procedures set by the Cortez Fire Protection District.

To apply, click the button below to download the application form and contact us to schedule an appointment. Please fill out the form prior to arrival.

We are very proud to establish our Junior Program. This program allows those too young to be part of a progressive emergency service organization to learn life skills such as pride, ownership, professional respect and dedication along with the importance of community service.

The Junior Membership Program demonstrates commitment to our community through:

Providing an opportunity for youth to serve the community
Respectful and courteous treatment of all people
Accountability for our actions
Open honest communications
Educating the community in health awareness and disease prevention
Providing a safe environment for youth activity within the community

CFPD has openings for ten (10) Junior Members to participate in the program. Juniors must be at least 16 years old but not older than 18 years old and must maintain a 3.0 GPA or better in their high school classes to be eligible for participation. Parental or guardian signed approval must be provided for participation in the program.

Junior night

Members must attend junior membership meetings and regular agency membership meetings.

Training consists of EMS patient care, FIRE/EMS, rescue, hazardous materials, safety, wildland, and other trainings deemed appropriate for the fire department sanctioned by the Fire Chief. Junior members will obey and follow all directions of the CFPD crew, fire department officials, and law enforcement officials while on scene and participating at the station or community events.

Junior CPR

Juniors will obtain their CPR/AED/First Aid Certification.

Juniors can participate with the CFPD in parades and other community events, representing the Cortez Fire Department. Juniors can only participate in EXTERIOR firefighting activities, by assisting with carrying equipment and observing the activity on all emergency calls. Duties will be directed by the on-duty officer and the Fire Chief.

If interested, fill out an application and submit to the Fire District.

Cortez Fire Volunteer Pension Fund was set up to reward firefighters for their service, loyalty, and dedication to the Cortez Fire Volunteer Department and the current Cortez Fire Protection District. Provides pensions for all volunteer firemen with 10 years or more of service. To become eligible, active volunteer firefighters must meet a minimum of 36 hours each year dedicated to volunteering shifts for the District, the volunteer must also be 50 years of age for eligibility with at least 10 years of active service. The 36 hours includes required ride times, trainings, and apparatus and supply duties with the approval from the on duty Lieutenant and the Fire Chief. When a current Volunteer Pension member passes away, a funeral benefit lump sum amount is available to pay for services for the deceased. The surviving spouse may elect to receive 50% of their deceased spouse’s monthly benefit until they remarry or become deceased.

Board of Trustees of the Volunteer Firefighters Pension Fund was established according to the Volunteer Firefighter Pension Act to manage and regulate the monies and administration of Pension programs. Cortez Fire Pension Board members are Volunteers Larry Sharp and John Garcia and the 5 member CFPD Board of Directors. The Pension Administrator is Michelle Chandler. Pension Board meetings are held quarterly in January, April, July, and October each year. Currently, there are 39 Pension members which include some deceased members’ wives who receive 50% of the Pension member’s monthly benefit. There are an additional eight (8) active volunteers that are either eligible for Pension benefits once they reach the age of 50 years. One of these volunteers has met the age limit and is completing the required service hours to become a vested member.

Funding for the District Pension Fund include an investment account managed by a financial advisor, CFPD quarterly contributions, and a Colorado State Grant that is applied for every year which is based on 90% of the annual District contributions.


History of the District Volunteer Firefighters Pension Fund


The Cortez Volunteer Fire Department began the Fund for those firefighters
that are rewarded for volunteering their unpaid years of service and dedication
to the safety and protection of the community members of Montezuma County.
The Fund became established for payments beginning distribution to eligible members
starting around the year 1975. Statistically, this Pension distribution has steadily grown since 1975.

1975: 6 members received benefits
1986: no change in members
2003: 25 members received benefits
2013: 32 members received benefits
2020: 39 members currently receive benefits


Fire and Police Pension Association of Colorado


Full-time firefighters participate in the Statewide Defined Benefit Plan – Fire and Police Pension Plan (FPPA SWDB). Provides normal, early, vested, or deferred retirement and death benefits. Full-time firefighters are required to contribute a percentage per paycheck to the plan; the District is also required to contribute a percentage of each employee’s pay per paycheck to the plan. The percentages required are established by the FPPA Board of Directors.

Government regulation for Pension Plan Administration

Actuarial Studies help to assess the soundness of Pension investments and monies. These studies are required in Colorado for Local Governments.
An Independent Actuary performs reports required by the State regulations within the Volunteer Firefighter Pension Act: Title 31, Articles 30, Part 11 CRS. An actuarial valuation is prepared to determine if the current annual level of contributions and investment fund soundness is adequate in funding benefits to pension members provided by the District. Service costs, total pension liability, and related actuarial present values of projected benefit payments are acceptable or if they need adjusted. These studies are conducted every even year. A summarized update is conducted every odd year. These studies are required for Governmental audits performed each year for submittal to the State of Colorado. The annual Actuarial study requires the District’s Pension Fund and the Fire and Police Pension Association of Colorado’s data for completion of the required reports.