2246F2CA35DFA4278725872F0074E3BB Hearing Summary CLICS/CLICS2021A/commsumm.nsf PUBLICBILL SUMMARY For FIREFIGHTING WORKFORCE CHALLENGES AND THE SWIFT PROGRAMINTERIM COMMITTEE WILDFIRE MATTERS REVIEW COMMITTEEDate Aug 12, 2021 Location Old State Library Firefighting Workforce Challenges and the SWIFT Program - Committee Discussion Only 02:53:31 PM Jessica Warren, Colorado Correctional Industries, presented regarding employment of people who are incarcerated in Colorado. She discussed the State Wildland Inmate Fire Team (SWIFT) program participants, the areas to which they have been deployed, and their wages. Ms. Warren summarized 2021 legislation that will expand the opportunities for participants in the SWIFT program. Mr. Lee, SWIFT participant, discussed his experience with the SWIFT program and the skills he learned through the program. 03:07:09 PM Ms. Warren and Ruth Coffman, Colorado Department of Corrections, responded to committee questions regarding SWIFT crews, challenges with the SWIFT program, and utilizing the SWIFT program for mitigation work. 03:16:48 PM Chied David Wolf, Estes Valley Fire Protection District, presented regarding firefighting workforce challenges, using a powerpoint. He discussed challenges, including limited housing and demographic issues, in Estes Valley. Mr. Wolf provided suggestions for state assistance for volunteer firefighters. 03:24:13 PM Chief Brad White, Grand Valley Fire Protection District, presented regarding challenges with attracting and retaining firefighting workers, using a powerpoint. He explained Grand Valley's staffing model and changes over time. Chief White discussed staffing challenges with volunteer firefighter, career staff, and resident firefighters. Chief White discussed incentives, funding options for fire protection districts, and developing surge capacity. 03:41:28 PM Chief White and Chief Wolf responded to committee questions regarding SWIFT crews.