New volunteers sign up as District 15 firefighter recruits

BREWSTER – Douglas Okanogan County Fire District 15 (DOCFD 15) relies heavily on community volunteers to fill the firefighter ranks at its four stations at Methow, Pateros, Brewster, and Rocky Butte (Bridgeport Bar).

A DOCFD 15 media release announced that 15 volunteers recently signed on with the district and are currently participating in this year’s firefighter recruit class. They include:

• Orey Xurape Matthew King
• Alexander Romo Amber Heen
• Emanuel Zepeda Caleb Smith
• Alexandro Romero Alan Perea
• Michael Ubalso Rosas Caleb Infante
• Christopher Talavera Eric Ramirez
• Bryan Talavera David Torres
• Alexander Saucedo

The 10-week course teaches new firefighters everything from fire behavior to tools and safety, from donning self-contained breathing apparatus and personal protection equipment to hoses, hydrants, ladders, and ventilation. The recruits also learn first aid and complete a four-day course in wildland firefighting basics.

DOCFD 15 firefighters Conner Wiggs and Dario Orozco are scheduling dates and instructors for this year’s recruit class. Senior firefighters Kerry Heen and Matt Coffman from Pateros, Austin Vargas, Victor Vargas and Jacob Poole from Brewster, Sal Rodriguez from Rocky Butte, and Bill Vallance are helping Wiggs and Orozco with instructing. 

The recruit class students will conclude their instruction in the first part of May and will be recognized for their achievement in a graduation ceremony.

Anyone interested in joining DOCFD 15 can visit the district web page, docfd15.com and download an application. Drop it off at the district office at 412 Indian Ave. in Brewster or any of the district stations. The Bridgeport Fire Department is also always looking for volunteers. 

Mike Maltais: 360-333-89483 or michael@ward.media