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We have been contacted numerous
times over the years asking for our suggestions on how to start an auxiliary
program.
Some of our suggestions:
* Get the support of as many of your officers as
you can....especially your Chiefs!!
* Invite all potential members to the initial
planning meeting to determine interest levels.
* Go slowly! We have only just recently
(5-7yrs) implemented our rehab and victims
assistance programs. These
things take time and lots of training ... and patience! (Your
firefighters may not understand that
they should be drinking water or Gatorade on a fire
instead of Mountain Dews or Pepsis!
Training for both auxiliary and firefighters in Rehab,
along with the firm support of the
officers, is everything to a good Rehab program!)
* Try very hard not to form groups within the
group. This can lead to hurt feelings and feelings
of being "left out".
* If you will be responding on runs, make sure
the fire department's insurance will cover you in
case you are injured on the
fireground. Also, work with the Chiefs of your agency to develop
your SOGs and policies. Make it
ABSOLUTELY clear what your role will and will not be
while you're out there!
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