New Auburn seeks volunteers for First Responder Reserves
November 22nd, 2006New Auburn will soon become the first community in Sibley County to implement a First Responder Reserves.
Wendy Becker, New Auburn’s deputy clerk, said that the community is seeking six volunteers to serve from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, to respond to emergencies. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver license, and should have a five minute response time to the community, she said.
Becker explained that the city was asked to explore daytime help for the Fire Department. “The entire New Auburn Fire Department are first responders,” Becker said. “Most work out of town during the week.”
First Responder Reserves can still respond to evening and weekend calls, Becker said, and they will also assist the Fire Department.
First Responder Reserves will be required to complete a 48 hour class, that will be paid by the city. A 12-hour refresher course is required every two years.
Reserves won’t qualify for retirement benefits like those serving on the fire department, according to Becker. They will also be required to attend several meetings each year.
Training is being scheduled in mid January, and then the program will be implemented.
Becker is estimating that it will cost approximately $7,000 to start the First Responder Reserves. The city is receiving help from Hamburg, which began the program several years ago. Because the city did not anticipate starting this program in 2007, funds were not budgeted. So far, two community groups, New Auburn VFW and High Island Lake Conservation Club, have each donated $3,000.
Anyone interested in volunteering may contact Wendy Becker at the New Auburn City Office at 320-864-5831, or at 320-510-1896.
Similar Articles:
