Our Mission: To serve as the backbone of the Autauga County fire service. We bridge the gap between our local departments and the community, offering a helping hand to our firefighters during crises and celebrating their service during times of peace.
Our Vision: A united community standing behind its first responders, ensuring that no firefighter ever stands alone.
What do we do?
Event Planning
The Auxiliary acts as the professional logistics team for the Association. This involves more than just “hosting”—it’s about creating a cohesive culture.
- Awards Banquets: Organizing annual ceremonies to recognize years of service and acts of valor.
- Training Seminars: Coordinating venues, catering, and registration for multi-department training exercises.
- Community Festivals: Representing the department at local Autauga County events like the Spinners Pumpkin Patch or Christmas parades.
Public Education
Fire prevention is the most effective way to fight a fire. The Auxiliary bridges the gap between technical fire knowledge and community understanding.
- School Programs: Assisting with Fire Prevention Week presentations at local elementary schools.
- Smoke Detector Drives: Coordinating with the Red Cross or state agencies to distribute and help install smoke alarms in high-risk neighborhoods.
- Safety Materials: Managing the distribution of educational literature at community booths and open houses.
Resource Management
Behind every successful department is a mountain of gear and supplies that need tracking.
- Rehab Inventory: Maintaining a “ready-to-go” stock of electrolytes, cooling towels, and non-perishable snacks for emergency scenes.
- Uniform/Merchandise Sales: Managing the “Quartermaster” aspect of the association, such as selling department shirts or gear to raise funds.
- Donation Tracking: Cataloging physical donations (water, equipment, or food) to ensure they are distributed where needed most.
Emergency Support (Rehab)
When a call goes long—especially in the Alabama humidity—firefighters face exhaustion. The Auxiliary provides “Rehab” services.
- On-Scene Hydration: Setting up cooling stations with water and Gatorade during structure fires or brush fires.
- Nutrition: Providing meals during extended scenes (e.g., searches for missing persons or major storm cleanups).
- Climate Relief: Deploying misting fans in the summer or heaters/coffee in the winter to prevent heatstroke or hypothermia.
Fundraising
Since many volunteer departments operate on thin margins, the Auxiliary is the primary engine for supplemental income.
- Annual Plate Sales: Organizing BBQ or catfish dinners that have become community staples.
- Boot Drives: Coordinating “Fill the Boot” campaigns at busy Autauga County intersections.
- Grant Writing Assistance: Helping research and apply for community grants to fund new equipment or PPE.
Firefighter Family Support
The “Fire Family” is a real concept, and the Auxiliary ensures no family feels isolated by the demands of the job.
- Childcare Assistance: Organizing collective childcare during large-scale training days or department meetings.
- Meal Trains: Coordinating food delivery for firefighters or their families during illnesses, births, or recoveries.
- Holiday Events: Planning Santa visits or “Night Out” events specifically for the children of first responders.
Funeral Services
When a member of the fire service passes, the Auxiliary ensures they are honored with the dignity the profession demands.
- Reception Coordination: Managing the food and logistics for the family and visiting departments after the service.
- Honor Guard Support: Assisting with the logistical needs of the ceremonial teams.
- Bereavement Support: Providing long-term emotional and practical support (like yard work or grocery runs) for the surviving family.
Other Fire Department Requested Services
The Auxiliary is the “Swiss Army Knife” of the association, stepping in wherever a gap appears.
Photographic Documentation: Taking photos during training or community events for social media and historical archives.
Administrative Aid: Helping with data entry for fire reports or filing paperwork during busy seasons.
Station Beautification: Assisting with the upkeep or decoration of the stations to maintain high morale.
Contact Information:
Auxiliary@Autaugafire.org