The fire service has seen a lot of change through the years. Bucket brigades have become deck guns, ladders have gone electronic, women have joined the ranks. But regardless of new technology and the latest developments, those whom a firefighter leaves behind to battle a blaze still worry about their loved ones and pray for a safe return.
However, some do more than sit at home, wringing their hands and praying. This is where the auxiliary comes in - a dedicated arm of the fire service, committed to springing into action at a moment's notice to support their heroes.
Not every fire department has an auxiliary, but the ones that do clearly benefit from their hard work. At MCFPD, the auxiliary organizes fundraisers, assists with fire prevention activities and provides emotional support for the spent firefighters.
"Official" auxiliaries didn't come into existence until World War 1 when wives and mothers of soldiers were needed to assist their men in the war effort. Suddenly, a husband's job became a family affair, with his wife heading the family from back home and organizing support to send assistance overseas.
After the war, the precedent for auxiliary support had been established, and women found ways to use the skills they learned working during the war.
Firefighting is usually a family affair, so naturally a firefighter's family gets involved with firehouse life. The rules vary from department to department, but usually auxiliary groups are made up of spouses, children, parents and siblings of active firefighters. And they often work long hours and late nights, just like the firefighters.
Auxiliary members may also consist of other interested parties who have the desire to support the activities of members of the Mid-County Fire Protection District.
This helps to remind us that firefighting is a family effort - it affects more than just those who are physically fighting the flames.
For more information please contact Kara Johnson at karamiah@live.com
However, some do more than sit at home, wringing their hands and praying. This is where the auxiliary comes in - a dedicated arm of the fire service, committed to springing into action at a moment's notice to support their heroes.
Not every fire department has an auxiliary, but the ones that do clearly benefit from their hard work. At MCFPD, the auxiliary organizes fundraisers, assists with fire prevention activities and provides emotional support for the spent firefighters.
"Official" auxiliaries didn't come into existence until World War 1 when wives and mothers of soldiers were needed to assist their men in the war effort. Suddenly, a husband's job became a family affair, with his wife heading the family from back home and organizing support to send assistance overseas.
After the war, the precedent for auxiliary support had been established, and women found ways to use the skills they learned working during the war.
Firefighting is usually a family affair, so naturally a firefighter's family gets involved with firehouse life. The rules vary from department to department, but usually auxiliary groups are made up of spouses, children, parents and siblings of active firefighters. And they often work long hours and late nights, just like the firefighters.
Auxiliary members may also consist of other interested parties who have the desire to support the activities of members of the Mid-County Fire Protection District.
This helps to remind us that firefighting is a family effort - it affects more than just those who are physically fighting the flames.
For more information please contact Kara Johnson at karamiah@live.com
Email: Administration questions to admin@mcfpd.org or Website questions to webmaster@mcfpd.org
Copyright 2009 Mid-County Fire Protection District
Copyright 2009 Mid-County Fire Protection District
Mid-County Fire Fighter's Auxiliary
We, the members of the Mid-County Fire Protection District, dedicate our efforts to provide for the safety and welfare of the public through preservation of life, property and the environment.
May 2010 - 95 calls
January - May 2010 - 482 calls January - December 2009 - 1175 calls
January - May 2010 - 482 calls January - December 2009 - 1175 calls
