Damien Smith completes the Cortez Fire Protection District’s training test on Saturday, Sept. 9. According to Shawn Bittle, assistant fire chief, the department was looking for part- and full-time volunteers from this exercise.

Potential recruit Caleb Gilbert begins the Cortez Fire Protection District’s training test by climbing the length of a firetruck ladder on Sept. 9.

Potential recruit Caleb Gilbert begins the Cortez Fire Protection District’s training test by climbing the length of the fire truck’s ladder on Sept. 9.

Potential recruit Caleb Gilbert practices a skill for firefighting as Lt. Staton Jeter observes and gives instruction. “They ... are simulating picking up a pipe pole, which is a 6-foot pole with a hook on it that we use to pull ceiling down. So they have to raise that over their head,” said assistant chief Shawn Bittle.

Damien Smith drags a hose as part of recruitment testing, led by Lt. Staton Jeter. “We are hoping to bring on one full-time, then we will probably bring on three part-time and hopefully three volunteers,” said assistant chief Shawn Bittle.