Colorado County Builds Volunteer Emergency Response Team

When disaster strikes in the Colorado mountains, help from outside can take hours to arrive, so Gilpin County is building its own emergency response team made up of everyday neighbors.

The Gilpin County Sheriff's Office hosted "Stronger Together" on June 14, bringing local organizations together to recruit community volunteers. The event at the Gilpin County Community Center introduced residents to ways they can help during wildfires, severe weather, and other emergencies.

Sheriff Kevin Armstrong said the county is forming a Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, made up of trained volunteers who can handle crucial support work during crises. These volunteers won't fight fires or enforce laws, but they'll deliver food, staff roadblocks, and perform other essential duties that free up first responders.

Steven Mingura, Director of the Office of Emergency Management, explained why volunteer teams matter in remote mountain communities. "We are so kind of landlocked from any emergency aid that comes through mutual aid contracts that I'd like to establish our own community response teams so we're able to help each other," he said.

The volunteer fair showcased opportunities beyond emergency response. Timberline Fire Protection District recruits volunteer firefighters from anywhere in Colorado, giving aspiring firefighters valuable training and experience. The district now brings all new volunteers into one large January class, helping recruits train together and improving retention rates.

The High Country Auxiliary supports emergency responders by providing food and drinks during extended incidents. The group has also raised money for drones used by the Sheriff's Office and emergency alert devices distributed through Gilpin Ambulance.

Gilpin Ambulance introduced residents to Gilpin CARES, a program that helps seniors identify home hazards, manage medications, and obtain medical equipment. The program distributes free emergency alert devices, including portable GPS models that work anywhere with cellular service.

Why This Inspires

Undersheriff Greg Demo said the event highlighted something often overlooked: how well local agencies and nonprofits work together. "We all work together to make the community better," he explained. In rural areas where professional responders are stretched thin, neighbors stepping up to help neighbors isn't just nice, it's necessary.

The volunteer opportunities require no special background, just willingness to train and serve when called upon.

Anyone interested in joining Gilpin County's Community Emergency Response Team can contact the Sheriff's Office to get started.