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…