Special Operations
Special Operations Information
Denver Fire Department’s Special Operations Sub-Division works within the Operations Division and its Technical Rescue Teams respond to and mitigate structural collapse, high-angle, confined space, trench, swift water, and dive rescue incidents. Special Operations also consists of a Hazmat Team that responds to and mitigates Hazardous Materials incidents. The Department staffs 16 certified Technical Rescue Technicians and 20 Hazmat Technicians daily.
The Special Operations administrative staff is:
Chief JoshuaRomero(Joshua.Romero@denvergov.org)
Captain Mike Pylar (Michael.Pylar@denvergov.org)
Vortex Training at Red Rocks
Special Operations Team
Location |
Apparatus |
Discipline |
| Station 1 | Engine 1, Tower 1, Underwater | Dive Rescue, Swift Water Rescue, |
| Rescue Unit, Collapse Trailer | Conspace, Tench, Collapse, High Angle | |
| Station 6 | Engine 6, DECON, Mass | Hazmat Technician |
| Decontamination Unit | ||
| Station 9 | Engine 9, Tower 9, HAMER 1 | Hazmat Technician |
| Station 10 | Rescue 2 | Dive Rescue, Swift Water Rescue, |
| Conspace, Trench, Collaspe, High | ||
| Angle, Hazmat Technician | ||
| Station 11 | Rescue 1 | Dive Rescue, Swift Water Rescue, |
| Conspace, Trench, Collaspe, High | ||
| Angle, Hazmat Technician |
Swift Water Rescue Training
Training Classes and Worshops 2025
Firefighter Bailout / Team Egress Workshop
Date: TBD
Cost: $225 per attendee with lunch provided
This unique course will provide instruction on individual bailout methods, as well as, team egress methods. Attendees will benefit from several repetitions from multiple bailout points. No pre-requisites needed.
Download and complete the waiver prior to registering.
REGISTER HERE FOR BAILOUT / EGRESS WORKSHOP
Team Skills Rope Rescue Workshops
(Vortex)
WORKSHOP 5 DAY
Dates: 5/12/25 – 5/16/25
Cost: $1750 per attendee with lunch provided
WORKSHOP 7 DAY
Dates: 5/12/25 – 5/18/25
Cost: $2000 per attendee with Lunch Provided
A serious 5 or 7 day team skills workshop lead by Ropes that Rescue staff and hosted by the Denver Fire Department. These two in depth courses will push the limits of your rigging and rescue experience in some venues that are likely a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Download and complete the waiver prior to registering.
Technical Rescue Certification
(80 Hour Course)
Dates: 10/6/25-10/10/25 and 10/13/25-10/17/25
Cost: $3,200
Immerse yourself in the world of Technical Rescue in the 80 hour course designed to take you to the next level. Topics over these two weeks include: High Angle Rescue, Structural Collapse/Shoring Techniques, Breaking and Breaching, Trench Rescue, and Confined Space Rescue.
Download and complete the waiver prior to registering.
REGISTER HERE FOR THE TRC 80 HOUR COURSE
Remaining Openings
20
Remaining Openings
12
Remaining Openings
20
Additional Special Operations Information
SPCOPS Contact Information
Captain Mike Pylar
Phone: 720-814-7318
Chief Josh Romero
Phone: 720-618-5319
Cancellation Policy
The Denver Fire Department reserves the right to cancel a course up to 30 days prior to the scheduled course start date. If a course is canceled. the Denver Fire Department will make every attempt to contact affected students to offer priority seating in the next available class or to refund tuition payments. The Denver Fire Department will not be responsible for costs associated with canceling of airplane tickets, hotel reservations, or other related travel costs.
Students have the right to cancel their enrollment in a class, at no charge, up to 30 days prior to the course start date. Students will be charged for cancellations received within less than 30 days prior to class start date.
