Specialized Rescue

Two Greeley firefighters in blue clothing and helmets rappelling down a silo-like building with a white metal structure, using colored ropes to assist their descent.

Special Operations Team

The Greeley Fire Department's Special Operations Team (SOT) plays a vital role in enhancing emergency responses for situations that extend beyond the scope of standard emergency calls. This dedicated team is committed to continuous training and provides exceptional emergency response services not only within Greeley but also in neighboring jurisdictions.

The SOT is expertly trained and equipped to address a variety of technical rescue scenarios, including:

- High and low-angle rescues
- Trench rescues
- Confined space rescues
- Stabilization and rescue during structural collapses
- Stabilization and extrication of heavy vehicles and machinery

These incidents often require extended operational efforts and significant commitment from all team members.

Personnel assigned to Fire Station 5 are integral to the Special Operations Team, and they uphold a high standard by maintaining their firefighting and EMS skills while actively participating in specialized technical rescue disciplines.

Additionally, some members of the Special Operations Team are affiliated with Colorado Task Force 1 (CO-TF1), a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Task Force based in Colorado. Sponsored by the West Metro Fire Protection District, CO-TF1 includes over 200 trained professionals, such as firefighters, paramedics, engineers, and canine handlers. These dedicated team members have demonstrated their commitment by responding to numerous large-scale disasters throughout the country.