Community Outreach
The Fire Department provides services to the community that go well beyond their training of EMS and fighting fire. The fire department provides public education, assistance to community members, holiday meals to families in need, the Christmas Angel program which delivers toys to foster children and children in need during the christmas season, school public safety education, participating in water days at school functions, critical incident stress debriefing, counseling, hosting events at the fire stations and a myriad of other activities at the request of community.
Crisis Response Team and Volunteer Opportunities
Members of the Gila River Crisis Response Team are dedicated volunteers with the Gila River Fire Department trained to provide assistance to community members and visitors to the Gila River Indian Community during traumatic events. The team responds along with traditional fire, police, and emergency medical units when victims or their families could benefit from additional support, such as transport to the hospital to be with their loved ones, information on available resources and services that might help them through a difficult time, or guidance and direction concerning the steps to take after traumatic events such as house fires, car accidents, or the unexpected death of a loved one.
To become a member of the Gila River Crisis Response Team, or for more information, contact:
Crisis Response Team Coordinator
Phone: (520)610-1780
Email: GilaRiverCrisisResponse@gric.nsn.us
Volunteering on CRT
Benefits of Volunteering with the Gila River Crisis Response Team:
- A one-of-a-kind volunteering opportunity as an emergency responder
- Provide support to community members when they need it most
- Extensive free training opportunities
- Become a member of the public safety community, dedicated to serving others
- Ideal volunteering opportunity for those seeking a career in the fire, police, or emergency medical field
First Steps to join the team:
- Fill out application
- Start attending the free Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Crisis Interventionist Training Academy (Hosted by the Gila River Fire Department in April & July. Call now to enroll (520)610-1780)
- Schedule a ride-along to observe Crisis Response Teams in action
Gila River Crisis Response Team Volunteer Requirements:
- 21 years of age
- High School Diploma or GED
- Valid Driver's License
- Fingerprinting/Criminal Background Check
- Drug Testing/TB Testing
- Panel Interview
Training Includes:
- Crisis Interventionist Training Academy (Nine 4-hour sessions, weekday evenings from 5:30pm-9:30pm with transportation provided)
- Gila River specific Crisis Response Team Training (Includes cultural awareness, radio communications, incident reporting, area familiarization, etc.)
- 15 passenger Emergency Response Van Driver Training
- Psychological First Aid (PFA) Training and Certification
- Healthcare Provider Level CPR/AED Training & Certification
Ride Along Program
The Gila River Fire Department provides the opportunity for civilians to participate in our Ride-Along Program. We hope to give you a close up look at your Fire Department serving within the community.
We want your time with us to be an educational and enjoyable experience; however, we are emergency responders and you may respond to incidents that are extremely dangerous. The Company Officer will advise you when the scene is safe enough for you to enter.
A few guidelines regarding the Ride-Along Program:
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We ask that your grooming attire be neat and conservative. Pants or slacks, an appropriate shirt, i.e., golf shirt or blouse, and sturdy closed-toe shoes are required. No shorts or dresses/skirts will be allowed. Individuals who do not meet these requirements will not be permitted to observe.
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All observers will sign a Gila River Fire Department Waiver of Responsibility prior to the beginning of the observation period.
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The Company Officer will sign as the witness.
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The waiver will be sent to Fire Administration at the end of the shift.
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Observer must leave a copy of photo identification with the Captain prior to observation period.
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The Company Officer has the responsibility to terminate the ride along at any time that he/she feels that the observer is displaying unprofessional behavior towards the crew or the citizens we serve. If unprofessional behavior is displayed, the Company Officer will complete an Observer/Candidate Encounter Form and send it to the on duty shift commander. Understand that this information is kept for review by our selection committee during our hiring process.
- The Company Officer will brief you on safety instructions. The areas covered will be:
-Vehicle and seat assignments
-The Communities seat belt policy.
-The requirement to wear the observer badge and safety vest. Both will be worn on all emergency scenes.
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Remember that you are an OBSERVER ONLY!
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There may be incidents where it may not be prudent for you to view an incident, for reasons of personal safety, or the sensitive/graphic nature of the fire or police incident. You may be asked to stay with the apparatus until the crew returns.
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Observers will not be allowed to use cell phones or 2-way radios while observing emergency calls.
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Observers will not be permitted to carry cameras on the apparatus unless they are reporters on approved assignments.
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We request only one observer ride-along per shift
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Emergency activities may delay your scheduled return to quarters.
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If you observe between the hours of 11:00 am and 5:00 pm., you may opt to eat with the crew. The Captain will advise you on the cost of each meal.
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The Observer is responsible to provide transportation to and from the designated ride-along station.
Download the Ride Along Form here and submit it to grfdshiftcommanders@gric.nsn.us.
To schedule a Ride-Along at your closest station, contact the Shift Commander's office at (520)796-4577 or request an opportunity at grfdshiftcommanders@gric.nsn.us.
Apprentice Program
The Apprentice Program is a unique opportunity that provides qualifying GRIC community members the skills, training and certifications needed to become a Gila River reserve/full-time fire fighter/EMT. This program is furthering GRIC's mission and vision by developing our resources to provide services and opportunities to achieve the highest quality of life.
The program is conducted over a period of time through phases as apprentice acquire the skills, certifications, discipline and culture of GRFD. To learn more about the program or to inquire when the next class will begin, contact our Program Administrator at:
(520)796-5900
