Check back in the fall of 2026, when we plan to recruit for our next rookie class. Meantime, read below to learn more about how to become a volunteer firefighter with BMFPD. 

BMFPD seeks highly motivated individuals who will contribute their time and skills to the organization to help fulfill its mission, which is “to provide rapid, effective, and organized responses to fire, medical, and other emergency situations.” To learn more about what it’s like to be a volunteer firefighter with BMFPD and whether the commitment is for you, read the BMFPD Volunteer Firefighter FAQs.

BMFPD_Volunteer_Firefighter_FAQs.pdf

Please also know that currently we are only considering firefighter applicants who live in our district so that they can quickly respond to emergency calls and better serve our residents. In addition, we do not anticipate onboarding a new rookie class until the fall of 2026.

Those wishing to become volunteer firefighters with BMFPD must be at least 18 years of age and possess or obtain a driver’s license within 30 days of being accepted into the Rookie Academy, which we hold periodically. Being accepted into the Rookie Academy includes the following five steps:

1. Complete a volunteer firefighter application (coming in fall 2026).
2. Pass a Background Check & Drug Screening. Applicants must pass a Boulder County background check and driving record review. Applicants are also required to pass a drug screening. These are both scheduled by the department and done at the department’s expense.
3. Participate in a Panel Interview. A committee consisting of volunteers, volunteer officers, and paid personnel will interview each applicant individually. The material covered does not require any knowledge, skills, or experience in firefighting and/or emergency medical response.
4. Pass a Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) evaluation and undergo a medical examination. CBI is a standard employment evaluation that checks one’s record for prior arrests and convictions. BMFPD reserves the full right to dismiss any applicant based on these CBI results. Applicants also need to undergo a doctor’s physical exam to ensure they are fit for firefighting activities (specific medical details will not be shared with BMFPD). This is done at the department’s expense.
5. Pass an Arduous Work Capacity Test (aka a Pack Test). Because BMFPD requires members to be able to meet the physical demands of the position, the department will administer an Arduous Work Capacity Test for Rookie Academy applicants. The test is 3-mile hike on a flat course with a 45-pound pack or weight vest. The test must be completed in under 45 minutes and 45 seconds. This is a pass/fail test. BMFPD recommends that applicants train for this test in advance.