August 2026 Newsletter

Firefighters conduct a training exercise involving rescue techniques with a simulated patient in a harness.

Training Highlights 

August was a busy month for training as Frederick-Firestone Fire Protection District crews strengthened skills across several areas of specialized rescue. From elevators and steep terrain to water rescues, crews practiced techniques designed to help them reach and safely remove patients in challenging situations.

Crews completed elevator rescue training at a local elementary school, practicing how to safely power down and manually operate an elevator and rescue occupants from both above and below the car. Scenarios also included assisting patients with different mobility needs.

At our new training facility, crews practiced Stokes basket rescues using Truck 303’s 75-foot aerial ladder as a high-point anchor. This allowed firefighters to combine rope rescue, patient packaging, and aerial operations to simulate situations where an ambulance cannot reach a patient directly.

Crews also headed to Barefoot Lakes for surface water rescue training, practicing different techniques for locating, reaching, and removing someone from the water. They also trained with the AquaEye, a handheld sonar device that can assist rescuers in searching beneath the surface.

While these situations may not happen every day, regular hands-on training ensures our crews are prepared to adapt, work together, and safely respond when the unexpected happens.

Firefighters assisting a person on a stretcher in an elevator, demonstrating a rescue operation.
Elevator Rescue Training
Firefighters are responding to a situation, with several assisting a person near a door in a hallway.
Elevator Rescue Training
May contain: clothing, hardhat, helmet, person, worker, glove, face, head, photography, portrait, door, floor, architecture, building, house, housing, and staircase
Elevator Rescue Training
Firefighters are training to rescue a person using a stretcher and ropes in a facility. Safety gear and teamwork evident.
Stokes Basket Rescue Training
Firefighters are training on a rescue operation using a stretcher and rigging equipment.
Stokes Basket Rescue Training
A person is being secured on a stretcher with straps and ropes, with emergency responders preparing for transport.
Stokes Basket Rescue Training
Three individuals in safety gear are standing in calm water, engaged in what appears to be a discussion, possibly about rescue operations.
Surface Water Rescue Training
Rescue personnel practice water safety, with some in the water using floats and others on a dock observing the drill.
Surface Water Rescue Training
An aerial view shows a dock with people, kayakers, and swimmers in a green lake, creating a lively water scene.
Surface Water Rescue Training
Firefighters assisting a person on a stretcher in an elevator, demonstrating a rescue operation.
Firefighters are responding to a situation, with several assisting a person near a door in a hallway.
May contain: clothing, hardhat, helmet, person, worker, glove, face, head, photography, portrait, door, floor, architecture, building, house, housing, and staircase
Firefighters are training to rescue a person using a stretcher and ropes in a facility. Safety gear and teamwork evident.
Firefighters are training on a rescue operation using a stretcher and rigging equipment.
A person is being secured on a stretcher with straps and ropes, with emergency responders preparing for transport.
Three individuals in safety gear are standing in calm water, engaged in what appears to be a discussion, possibly about rescue operations.
Rescue personnel practice water safety, with some in the water using floats and others on a dock observing the drill.
An aerial view shows a dock with people, kayakers, and swimmers in a green lake, creating a lively water scene.

Community Program Spotlight

Blue Heart Initiative Program

A firefighter interacts warmly with a child, exchanging something, set against a backdrop of a fire truck.

Every interaction matters. The Blue Heart Initiative is a community partnership designed to strengthen trust and improve communication between first responders and individuals with visible and non-visible disabilities before an emergency ever happens.

A Blue Heart sticker lets responding personnel know that someone in the home may have unique communication, sensory, medical, or behavioral needs. This helps us approach every situation with greater awareness, patience, and understanding.

Along with our fellow public safety partners, Frederick-Firestone Fire District is committed to building a safer, more compassionate community for everyone. 

Learn more by visiting www.fffd.us/blue-heart-initiative-program

 

Caught in the Act!

We’re excited to introduce our new Caught in the Act program, designed to recognize and encourage young people who are making positive choices in our community. From wearing a bicycle helmet and practicing pedestrian safety to showing kindness, helping others, and using good manners, we want to celebrate kids who are setting a great example!

A special thank you to Dairy Queen on Colorado Boulevard in Firestone for partnering with us and helping make this program possible.

So, if you see one of our firefighters or paramedics while you’re out and about, keep making those good choices—you just might get Caught in the Act!

A group of firefighters and Dairy Queen staff hold certificates for free cones, celebrating kindness at the restaurant.

 

National Night Out

A meeting with police officers and a community member, featuring handshakes and friendly interactions outside a building.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for National Night Out on August 4th! We had a great time visiting neighborhoods throughout Frederick and Firestone, connecting with residents, answering questions, and sharing what we do.

A special thank you to our partners at Frederick Police Department and Firestone Police Department for helping make the evening a success. We also appreciate Firestone Police Chief David Angelo and Mayor Don Conyac for stopping by and spending time with the community.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many families and celebrate the strong relationships that make our communities great. We hope to see you at our next community event!

 

In the Loop: Your Fire District & Neighborhood News

  • September 11th @ 5PM - Food & Flick: Picnic in the Park @ Settlers Park, 11447 Deerfield Drive, Firestone 80504
  • September 12th @ 7AM -Tree Limb Drop-Off Event: Firestone Residents Only @
  • Firestone Maintenance Facility, 7500 County Road 20, Firestone 80504
  • September 18 @ 5PM– Bingo, Burros & Churros @ Crist Park, 105 Fifth St, Frederick 80530
  • September 19th - Miners Day @ Centennial Park, 630 8th Street, Frederick 80530. Click Here for Event Details. 
  • September 25th-October 22nd - Firestone Art & Music Show @ Carbon Valley Regional Library
  • September 26th @ 8AM - Tree Limb Drop-Off: Frederick Residents Only @ Public Works, 7301 Eagle Blvd., Frederick 80504
  • Save the Date: October 10th @ 9AM - FFFD Annual Open House & Pancake Breakfast @ Station 1, 31 Walnut Dr, Frederick 80530

Safety Corner: Escape Planning

When a fire starts, every second counts. Smoke alarms provide the early warning you need to get out safely, but having a fire escape plan is just as important. Fires can spread quickly, sometimes leaving only a minute or two to escape after an alarm sounds.

Keep doors closed when possible to help slow the spread of smoke, heat, and flames. Make sure smoke alarms are installed inside every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of your home.

Take time with your household to create and practice a fire escape plan. Walk through your home and identify at least two ways out of every room, including doors and windows. For families with children, consider drawing a simple floor plan and marking each escape route so everyone knows how to get out.

For more information on how to make a home fire escape plan, visit NFPA.org.

The image provides fire escape planning tips, emphasizing the importance of having a home escape plan and practicing it.

 

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