With a new name and a new outlook the Copperopolis Volunteer Firefighter Association realized a need for more community involvement. Merging with the Copperopolis Fire Auxilary becoming the Copperopolis Volunteer Firefighter Association was the first step in the creation of a new kind of volunteer program.
There is so much more that goes on in volunteer arena than firefighting. There is fund raising, distribution of fire prevention materials, event organization, water supply to firefighters on scene, bingo calling, etc. All of these duties can be filled with community members that wish to become involved with supporting the Fire District but lack the desire or certificates to tackle to aspect of firefighting.
The new division of volunteers is tentatively being titled ‘support’ volunteer. When asked the guidelines for applying to become a ‘support’ volunteer, Volunteer Association President Don Rollings said that, “If you have something to offer we will find a niche for you to fill.” Pointing out that everyone has a talent or skill that they can share, and each skill will be a valuable asset to the smooth functioning of the new Copperopolis Volunteer Firemen’s Association.
Loosely modeled after the Murphy’s Fire Volunteer program where support crews are an integral piece of the operating puzzle, the new program is being hammered out to suit the needs of the community of Copper.
Support volunteers are not new to the fire fighting world. Santa Clara has one of the most progressive support volunteer groups in the area with two levels of volunteer; emergency response and non-emergency support. Many departments that operate this program offer varied certification to their volunteers, ie: CPR, First Aid, etc. Whether that is going to be offered with the reorganization has yet to be revealed.
For more information on becoming a volunteer or a ‘support’ volunteer, please stop by Station #1 on Main Street to pick up an application.
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