The Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District opened Station 1 for the second annual Community Open House on Saturday, July 14.Special attractions included Flight For Life Colorado and UCHealth LifeLine helicopters, access to the Black Forest Fire Rescue fire trucks and ambulances, emergency preparedness gear from Black Forest Tactical Supply, health information from UCHealth and Centura Health Penrose Cancer Center, free food courtesy of Centura, and free Kona Ice courtesy of UCHealth.Black Forest Fire Chief Bryan Jack, while grilling hamburgers and hotdogs, said, ìThis is our way of giving back to the community in appreciation for all of their support.îLori Morgan from UCHealth Trauma Services conducted two Stop the Bleed classes. The intent of the course is to teach and empower bystanders with bleeding control techniques while waiting for emergency service personnel in the aftermath of a catastrophe.A special vehicle extrication demonstration was conducted as well. The Black Forest firefighters were quickly able to turn a mangled wreck in to a no-door convertible in just under four minutes to free their ìtrapped victim.îFirefighter Thomas Garmong is the Black Forest Fire Rescue volunteer coordinator. During the Open House, he said, ëWe have nine volunteers right now and would love to have about 20. To be a volunteer, you must have an Emergency Medical Technician ñ Basic rating.î Black Forest Fire Rescue will conduct a Fire 1 Academy to teach firefighter skills, Garmong said. Classes are held in the evenings and a set schedule of Saturday sessions also is required. At the end of the academy, personnel will be qualified firefighters with additional certifications in HASMAT (hazardous material) and wildland fire.Individuals interested in becoming a volunteer for the Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District can contact Station 1 at 11445 Teachout Road: 719-495-4300.
