The Hildale/Colorado City Fire Department is marking 50 years of service, spanning from 1976 to 2026, under the motto Honoring our Past, Protecting our Future.
According to an October 28 report, the department celebrated National First Responders Day by recognizing the volunteers who answer calls in the region.
On Friday, October 9, volunteers held an all-day open house at Fire Station #1 on South Pioneer Street in Colorado City. The event included firefighting tool demonstrations, an apparatus showcase, historical displays, children's activities, and raffles.
Past fire chiefs attended the event, connecting current volunteers with the leaders from previous decades. Community members participated in activities where children interacted with firefighters and learned safety procedures, such as how to react to a smoke detector alarm.
The department is composed entirely of volunteers and consists of 85 members. This roster includes 34 paramedics, 25 Advanced EMTs, 14 EMTs, and 62 firefighters. A leadership team of 19 guides the department, led by Fire Chief Jesse Barlow.
Operating from four stations, the department responds to approximately 1,000 calls annually. Its fleet of about 28 apparatus includes four fire engines, two ladder trucks, four brush trucks, five ambulances, a paramedic rescue vehicle, and a heavy rescue unit, along with various support vehicles and specialized equipment.
The department provides mutual aid to several neighboring communities, including Apple Valley, Hurricane, Fredonia, Kanab, the Kaibab Indian Reservation, and Moccasin. It also provides an initial response across a large portion of the Arizona Strip north of the Grand Canyon.
While the department maintains a full roster, staffing challenges exist because many members also work for other fire departments. This can lead to difficulties filling shifts on certain days.
The department is actively seeking new volunteers to help address staffing shortages on certain days. It provides most of the necessary fire and EMS training for its members. Inquiries can be directed via email to info@hccfd.org.
