July 26, 2025 — The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with engaging conversations on Thursday, July 24, as the Clovis Fire Department hosted a successful recruitment meet-and-greet at Kuppa Joy – Old Town. From 9 AM to 11 AM, aspiring firefighters had the invaluable opportunity to connect directly with department recruiters, gaining insights into a career dedicated to service and community protection.
This innovative “Meet and Greet” was the first of its kind for the Clovis Fire Department, a new strategy aimed at attracting experienced lateral firefighters with approximately three years of service. Fire Chief Chris Ekk shared, “We’ve had some issues in the last several years with recruitment, so we’re just trying different strategies, and this is our latest one.” The event proved to be a resounding success, exceeding expectations. “We were thinking if we got 10 people that it would be good and we have more,” Chief Ekk noted, expressing his surprise and satisfaction with the turnout.
The event, promoted with the call, “We can’t wait to meet you… Come connect with a recruiter, ask questions about our department, and enjoy delicious coffee in a local business we love,” proved to be a fitting testament to the Clovis Fire Department’s commitment to both professional excellence and local engagement. Attendees were able to ask questions about the department’s operations, its values, and the demanding yet rewarding path of a firefighter.
When it comes to recruitment, the Clovis Fire Department casts a wide net, looking for candidates from anywhere – even out of state. Chief Ekk emphasized, “The bottom line, we’re looking for good quality candidates, good people that are going to fit our organization, our values, and be a good firefighter for our community.” For lateral recruits, the focus shifts from entry-level qualifications to character and values. “With them, we know they can do the job obviously they’re working at a fire department,” Chief Ekk explained. “So, they don’t have to do a written test or physical agility, so we’re making it more appealing for somebody that has four years, five years, seven or eight years that want to make that jump.”
The department places a high value on integrity and community trust. “We’re hiring somebody for that could work a 30-year career and then they’re gonna be a steward of the community,” the Chief stated. “Our community trusts our fire department and holds our fire department in high regard and we don’t ever want to damage that trust, so we have very high standards on the qualities and we don’t compromise that.” The conversations at the meet-and-greet affirmed that the candidates’ questions aligned with the department’s core values, providing an encouraging outlook for the future of the Clovis Fire Department.
Under the leadership of Fire Chief Chris Ekk, the Clovis Fire Department operates with the guiding principle of “Prevent Harm, be Professional, use Resources Wisely,” and their dedication to public safety is evident in their wide array of “All Risk” services. These encompass everything from fire suppression and emergency medical services to hazardous materials mitigation and community prevention programs.
The department’s rich history, which began in 1892 with a group of volunteer sawmill employees, has evolved into the professional career department it is today, with its first full-time staff hired in 1966. This legacy of dedication continues to define the strong core values and uncompromising professionalism that Chief Ekk highlighted in his welcome message to the community.
Given the success of this inaugural event, Chief Ekk confirmed that the department will “definitely do this again” for future recruitment efforts. While another meet-and-greet for the current recruitment, which closes on August 8th, is unlikely, the positive outcome ensures this will be a recurring strategy.
Thurday’s meet-up at Kuppa Joy served as a prime example of how our local emergency services are not just about responding to crises, but also about building relationships and investing in the future of our community’s safety. For those who attended, it was a chance to see firsthand the heart and mission of the Clovis Fire Department and consider becoming part of its vital work.