Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District Installs AEDs at All Five Fire Stations

Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District (ICFPD) is proud to announce the installation of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at all five ICFPD fire stations.  ICFPD purchased the AEDs using matching funds provided by the State of Colorado. These AEDs are designed to be used by minimally trained or even untrained members of the public using the simple instructions on the AED.   These station AEDs are available for when no fire/rescue personnel are in the station.  The units chosen for this project are designed for use by non-professional rescuers and provide audible instructions. 

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) administer a controlled electric shock to the chest of a person suffering sudden cardiac arrest to correct a life-threatening irregular heartbeat.  Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, striking more than 340,000 victims each year, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

ICFPD encourages all members of the public to learn basic CPR and how to apply an AED.  CPR and AED classes are offered at ICFPD and you can call 303-697-4413 to learn more about the next class. 

"This definitely makes our community a safer place," said Skip Shirlaw, ICFPD Fire Chief. "The reason why this is so critical is that when someone is identified as being in cardiac arrest, their chances of survival are greater the earlier that help comes. We know that having an AED nearby makes a difference between life and death.”

The AEDs are mounted in a visible location on the exterior of each fire station.  The AED cabinets are alarmed but in an emergency you must call 911 to initiate an emergency response by ICFPD firefighters, EMTs and paramedics.  The locations with 24-hour public access to AEDs include:

Station One – 7939 South Turkey Creek Road

Station Two –  10591 South Deer Creek Road

Station Three – 8445 South Highway 285

Station Four – 13877 Grizzly Drive

Station Five – 10304 Georgia Road

Emergency telephones located at stations 1, 2, and 4.


In addition to the five Public Access AEDs, ICFPD has also installed an AED in each engine.  The goal is to provide rapid access to emergency medical care with fire apparatus in each neighborhood.  All fire/rescue personnel undergo yearly certification in CPR and the use of AEDs.  

"This is another project that puts Inter-Canyon on the map as a community that cares, and has an outstanding quality of life for its residents.  We believe that with the installation of these AEDs, Inter-Canyon is a leader in the mountain communities with life-saving devices in public locations where they are available 24-hours-a-day," said EMS Captain Clint Clark.

In conjunction with the installation of AEDs, ICFPD also updated the monitor/defibrillators in each of our three ambulances and the rescue truck at station two.

Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District serves the citizens of Deer Creek Canyon, Turkey Creek Canyons, Hilldale Pines, White Deer Valley, and Doubleheader Ranch.  Over 40 volunteer firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics respond to approximately 400 calls for structural fires, wildland fires, rescues and emergency medical services each year from five fire stations.

Please congratulate the newest ICFPD Firefighters

Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District is proud to recognize our newest firefighters.  These firefighters have completed the Fire Academy training and successfully certified as State of Colorado Firefighter I.  The Fire Academy and training program at ICFPD provide the key to an exciting volunteer career in the fire and Emergency Medical Services.  The FireAcademy offers students the opportunity to learn from instructors already on fire departments, as well as, to receive hands-on training in preparation for becoming a Level One certified firefighter in Colorado.  Training includes structural firefighting.wildland firefighting and Hazardous Materials.

Please congratulate:

Austin Amack
DJ Brooks
Caleb Schnell
Jacob Santistevan

ICFPD VEES Annual Flea Market

The ICFPD VEES are holding their annual Flea Market July 23 and 24:

Drop off saleable donations on Friday July 22 from 12 noon to 8 PM and Saturday July 23 from 8:00 AM to 11: AM at Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District station 3, 8445 South Highway 285.

The sale will be held Saturday July 23 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Sunday July 24 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

All proceeds support your Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District.  Thanks for your support.

ICFPD Neighborhood Fire Station BBQs and Recruiting Event

ICFPD would like to thank our community for their support. We will hold BBQs at each station in August. Please stop by our neighborhood fire station to meet your volunteer firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics. Enjoy a hamburger or hot dog and learn more about your volunteer staff, your equipment and fire stations. We will also be recruiting new staff members and applications will be available. 

Station One - 7939 South Turkey Creek Road - Saturday August 13, 2016 11:00 to 13:00

Station Two - 10591 South Deer Creek Road - Sunday August 7, 2016 11:00 to 13:00

Station Three - 8445 South Highway 285 - Saturday August 6, 2016 11:00 to 13:00

Station Four - 13877 Grizzly Drive - Saturday August 6, 2016 1100 to 1300

Station Five - 10304 Georgia Circle - Sunday August 7, 2016 11:00 to 13:00

We hope you will join us and consider volunteering at ICFPD.

Sampson Road Fire Mitigation Committee hosts Wildfire Preparation Education May 7 12:00 AM to 12:00 noon

Please join the Sampson Road Fire Mitigation Committee

The Sampson Road Fire Mitigation Committee will host a Wildfire Preparedness Education Session for all residents of Sampson Road and the surrounding Deer Creek Canyon community.  The Education Session will be held at the Sampson Community Club on May 7 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon.

ICFPD Chief Skip Shirlaw and Wildland Captain Shane Buckles will be presenting on topics such as homeowner preparedness, mitigation, emergency procedures, and response in an emergency.

We also hope to discuss landscaping options, individual property tactics and project ideas.  Information from a variety of sources will be available on creating defensible space on your property.

ICFPD Wildland Captain Todd Moore Retires after 27 Years of Volunteer Service

Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District announces the retirement of Captain Todd Moore, who has served for over 27 years.  Captain Moore has served ICFPD is a variety of roles since he joined in 1989.  He began to serve after some coaxing from a neighbor.  “My wife and I had 2 young girls and my hobbies of rock climbing and kayaking were considered risky by her.  The fire department was an “acceptable” way to help my community and get an adrenalin rush at the same time.  The 27 years I’ve been with Inter-Canyon turned out to be way more than just an adrenalin fix, it has been mine and my families’ way of life. There have been many missed holiday dinners, school programs and functions but I wouldn’t have traded this “volunteer career” for anything.  I will carry the friends, acquaintances and knowledge I have amassed the rest of my life.” Moore said.

“Captain Moore is a true Inter-Canyon success story.  We are honored not only by his years of service, but his impact of the community.   Todd has diligently served the community with devotion, courage and integrity.  He will be missed,” Fire Chief Skip Shirlaw states.

Captain Moore has served in a number of roles at ICFPD: firefighter, Lieutenant, Chief of Training and the Wildland Captain.  “The Wildland Captain role was the most enjoyable position I’ve held since my love of the outdoors fell right in line with this position.  While Wildland Captain I achieved the nationally recognized position of Task Force Leader. This position required that I evaluate homes for defensibility, implement strategies and tactics needed to protect the homes from wildfires.” Moore stated after his retirement party.

This interest in wildfire also was responsible for the creation of the 285 Wildcats wildfire team in the early 1990s.  The 285 Wildcats team was a mutual aid team consisting of members from all of the 285 corridor fire departments, providing initial attack on many of the major Front Range fires since Buffalo Creek in the mid 1990’s.

Moore plans to remain active in the community by helping with Community Wildfire Protection Plan and information talks as needed.  His retirement as a volunteer will allow him to spend more time with his grandchildren, tackle home remodeling projects which always seemed to be delayed by one more emergency response and enjoy the great Colorado outdoors.

Captain Moore’s volunteer positions at ICFPD:

o   Station Lieutenant

o   Captain Station One

o   Training Chief

o   Wildland Captain

o   Training Committee

o   Jefferson CountyWildland Committee

o   Co-founder of the 285 Wildcats

o   Taskforce Leader/Crew Boss/Engine Boss/ICT 4

o   State Fire Instructor Level One

·        Highlights

o   Responded to many major Front Range fires starting with Buffalo Creek

o   ISO rating lowered in 10 years with hard work from the department, reducing insurance costs to our ICFPD homeowners.

o   Participated on the truck design committee for the 12 current fire apparatus

o   Developed the ICFPD Community Wildfire Protection Plan

Retiring ICFPD Wildland Captain Todd Moore

ICFPD Firefighters Training with USFS

On Saturday February 6 two firefighters from ICPFD, Chief Skip Shirlaw and Wildfire Captain Shane Buckles, worked with the USFS on burning piles of slash to reduce fuel loads.  A great exercise in building teamwork and an opportunity for training.

ICFPD Now Accepting Volunteer Applications Through January 29, 2016

Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District is now accepting applications for volunteer firefighters and EMTs through January 29, 2016.  ICFPD is in need of volunteers.  Call 303-697-4413 for an application.  We have two separate tracks for volunteering:

Firefighter – provides structural and wildland firefighting, initial EMS care, rescue and extrication.  In addition may complete additional EMS courses to provide pre-hospital care.  If you are accepted, you must attend, successfully complete and maintain these certifications:

A.    State of Colorado Firefighter 1 Certification

B.    State of Colorado Hazardous Materials Operations Certification

C.    NWCG Wildland Firefighter 130/190

D.    State of Colorado Emergency Medical Responder or AEMT, EMT-I or Paramedic

Emergency Medical Services/Firefighter Support – provides Emergency Medical Services treatment and transport and supports firefighters in non-hazardous roles.  If you are accepted, you must attend, successfully complete and maintain these certifications:

A.    State of Colorado Emergency Medical Technician – AEMT, EMT-I or Paramedic

B.    State of Colorado Hazardous Materials Awareness

C.    Firefighting safety course

ICFPD has two types of membership:

In-District Volunteer:  A firefighter or EMS staff member who lives within the ICFPD or within one air mile of district boundaries.  An in-district volunteer may respond to emergencies from home or work.

Out-of-District Volunteer:  A firefighter or EMS staff member who lives beyond the one air mile boundary of ICFPD.  An out-of-district volunteer must serve duty time at one of the ICFPD stations and be available to respond to emergencies while on duty.

Trainings are held at ICFPD every Thursday at 1900 hours.  ICFPD will provide you with training, motivation, protective gear, insurance, and friendship.  You provide your personal commitment to excellence and your willingness to serve the community.

2015 ICFPD Rookie fo the Year

Please join the firefighters, EMTs, and Paramedics of Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District in honoring Mark Forgy as the ICFPD Rookie of the Year.  Firefighter Forgy has made an incredible effort in training, responding to calls, and supporting the mission of ICFPD in serving our citizens.  Thanks to Mark Forgy.

2015 ICFPD Firefighter of the Year

Shane Buckles was selected as the 2015 ICFPD Firefighter of the Year.  Captain Buckles was honored as the Firefighter of the Year at the 2015 Holiday Dinner.  He was also promoted to Wildland Captain due to his extensive wildfire training and work on wildfire issues.  Please join ICFPD in thanking Shane for his service and congratulate him on his promotion to Captain.

Become a volunteer firefighter, EMT or Paramedic at Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District

ICFPD is actively recruiting both experienced and inexperienced individuals who wish to serve as a volunteer Firefighters, EMTs or paramedics in our district.  ICFPD has opportunities for both those who live within the district and those who live in other areas.

This is a very rewarding opportunity for anyone who is dedicated, hardworking, caring and compassionate. Being a volunteer firefighter or EMS staff member requires a special person who has it in them to help people during their toughest times and maintain composure. Becoming a volunteer requires demanding training to prepare them for the dangerous situations they may encounter every day.

1. Make sure you're ready to commit. Making the decision to become a volunteer firefighter should not be taken lightly. It requires hundreds of hours of training and a strong commitment to service. Research Volunteer firefighting by reading articles and expert columns at FireRescue1.com's Volunteer page.

2. Contact ICFPD at 303-697-4413. Not all departments have volunteers, and depending upon your area, its population and local government, volunteer opportunities may not be available.  ICFPD offers volunteer opportunities to those who live outside the district.  ICFPD will email an application to you.

3. Return the application no later than January 29, 2016.

Cold Tonight - Prevent Frozen Pipes

Cold weather poses a number of hazards.  Reduce the risk of damage to your home by protecting your water pipes.

Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the "strength" of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.

Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing

• Disconnect all gardening hoses and install covers on all outside faucets.

• Keep your house temperature at 68 degrees or higher, even if you're leaving the house for an extended period of time.

• Open cabinet doors below sinks to allow heat from the home to circulate.

• Identify the location of the main water valve and the valve on your water heater. (Learning the location of these valves may come in handy during an emergency.)

• Wrap pipes nearest exterior walls and in crawl spaces with pipe insulation. This can prevent freezing, especially for interior pipes that run along outside walls.

• Close all windows near water pipes; cover or close open-air vents. Freezing temperatures combined with wind drafts can cause pipes to freeze more frequently.

• Heat your basement and consider weather sealing your windows.

• Insulate outside walls and unheated areas of your home.

• If you plan to be away from home for an extended period of time, shut off water supply valves to your washing machine.

ICFPD now accepting applications for volunteer firefighter, EMT and paramedic

ICFPD has opened the application process for volunteer firefighter, EMT and paramedic positions.  Call our non-emergency office number, 303-697-4413, to receive an application via email.  Applications must be received by ICFPD no later than January 29, 2016.

Skip Shirlaw Sworn In as First Full-Time ICFPD Fire Chief

Skip Shirlaw was sworn in as Fire Chief on Friday January 1 at ICFPD Station One by Board President Leslie Caimi.  Shirlaw is the first full-time Fire Chief at ICFPD.