Copper Volunteer Firefighter Association Reorganizes

With declining numbers and a greater need the Copperopolis Volunteer Firefighter Association adopted a new game plan hoping to increase community involvement. Merging with the Copperopolis Fire Auxilary was the first step in the creation of a new kind of volunteer program.

Stressing that there is so much more that occurs in the volunteer arena than firefighting, representatives from the association hope this reorganization will bring more community involvement. There is a need for 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 Firefighter’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 Copperopolis.

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 within Copper’s volunteer association has yet to be revealed.

For more information on becoming a volunteer or a ‘support’ volunteer, please contact the main station at 785-2393 or visit Station #1 on Main Street to pick up an application.