Resident Program

VAIL FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES 
RESIDENT FIREFIGHTER PROGRAM

The Resident Firefighter Program was started in 1978 to provide valuable Firefighter training while ensuring a manpower resource for the Vail Fire Department. The program is accredited through Colorado Mountain College where students will work towards an AAS degree in Fire Science Technology. Students reside in Vail Fire Station 3. At full capacity, Vail Fire houses and trains 14 Resident Firefighters. Each Resident Firefighter lives in a dormatory style suite, with a common living room and kitchen.

The Program's emphasis is on education and hands on training. Upon completing the Mountain Metro Fire Academy, Resident Firefighters are assigned to a shift and expected to work approximately six 24 hour shifts per month as part of an Engine/Ladder Company. This training includes; Fire Suppression, EMS, HazMat, Swiftwater and Rope Rescue, and other Fire Service related tasks. The Resident Firefighter is expected to have or become a Colorado EMT-Basic within a timely fashion. Training is based on IFSTA standards with most Residents attaining Firefighter I or higher certification.

The Department currently operates 4-class A Pumpers, 1-75' Aerial Quint, 1-85' Tower Ladder, 1- Type 6 Wildland Engine, 2-Type 7 Wildland Engines, 1-Parade Engine, 2-4x4 utility vehicles and 2- Chief's cars.

If interested in our program, contact Vail Fire and Emergency Services Resident Firefighter Coordinator:

Jim Rabidue
Lieutenant/Resident Program Coordinator
2399 North Frontage Road W
Vail, CO 81657
jrabidue@vailgov.com

Benefits
Expectations
Mountain Metro Fire Training Academy
Scholarships
Testing