“Our volunteers are trained to do firefighting, surface ice and swift water rescues, dive rescues, rope rescues, urban searches, evidence searches, traffic control to ensure road safety, mobile air cascades, and so much more.”
Last month, a headline in the Daily Camera read “Dogs rescued from Boulder County house fire over the weekend.” Who did the rescuing? Boulder Emergency Squad (BES) – a 100% volunteer-driven nonprofit that, since 1963, has been working with the Sheriff’s department, Emergency Medical Services, and fire-rescue agencies to provide aid and support in a variety of countywide rescue incidents and emergency situations.
“Our volunteers are trained to do firefighting, surface ice and swift water rescues, dive rescues, rope rescues, urban searches, evidence searches, traffic control to ensure road safety, mobile air cascades, and so much more,” says BES member Amy Mendez of the more than 50-strong team that’s dedicated to the preservation of life and property. “We started out as an emergency radio club, and now – more than 50 years later – we responded to 132 incidents in our community in the last year.
“What’s even more telling are the 14,000 volunteer hours that our members put in, to train and prepare themselves, and to respond to emergencies.”
A grantee of the Community Foundation’s Community Trust fund, BES maintains a state of readiness to successfully deliver its range of services by building a culture of teamwork; conducting ongoing training that ensures BES members can confidently apply their skills as needed; maintaining the BES apparatus and equipment in a state of operational readiness; and – last but not least – expanding interagency, operational collaboration and efficiencies.
“Assuming you pass a background check, BES trains individuals on technical rescue services at no cost,” adds Amy, herself an Emergency Medical Technician, and 2017 BES Member of the Year for her attitude, accomplishments, and activities (which also include bookkeeping). “If you’re interested in a career in emergency services, BES offers impressive opportunities to learn and deepen your experience.
“People volunteer with us for many different reasons and objectives, so there’s turnover – but in a really good way. Some people get trained and then go on to pursue more school in a related field, for example.
“In the meantime, it’s gratifying for everyone who’s involved to deliver services and provide emergency assistance in our community.”
