Bureau of Special Operations

The South Metro Fire Rescue Authority Special Operations Bureau is comprised of eight special teams and six special programs. The Bureau is managed by the Chief of Special Operations, Anthony Vargo. Each program and team coordinator is responsible for the respective day to day operations, training, apparatus and equipment, resources and administrative needs. 

Special Operations personnel serve primarily as SMFRA firefighters. All members of Special Operations teams and programs have undergone additional training and certification to enhance their knowledge, skills, and abilities in their respective areas.

Special teams are emergency services resources immediately deployable to support incidents, disasters, and other emergencies requiring specialized personnel, equipment, and resources. Such emergencies may include aircraft crashes, water rescues, hazardous material response, medical support of SWAT operations, collapse, rope, confined space rescue, and wildland urban interface fires.

Special programs are the programs that support the operations of SMFRA outside of incident response. Such programs include wellness and fitness, apparatus equipment, and the honor guard. Many of these special programs are additional duties that SMFRA members perform to enhance the operational readiness of the entire authority.

 For information about SMFRA Special Operations, please contact Anthony Vargo