Lake Linden Fire Fighters rely on the community for support. In the past the fire department had the help, mostly from volunteer firefighter’s wives, at the scene or in the community, through th Lake Linden Fire Department Auxiliary. The department hopes to start the auxiliary again, as the crew needs help.
We did, Lake Linden did previously have an auxiliary. The problem with our auxiliary was it was always the wives. We just threw our wives in the hat and they took care of things. The problem with our wives is we all have kids. So if we’re all fighting the fire or we’re all doing a weekend fundraiser or a day fundraiser, they’re usually at home with the kids, which presents a staffing issue. So it wasn’t the greatest concept. So we’re trying to open it up and just have it be a community auxiliary this time. – Jason Reese, Treasurer, Lake Linden Volunteer Fire Department
Throughout the year auxiliaries act to assist fire departments with grant writing or fundraising. As well as organizing community engagement. Lake Linden Fire fighter Jason Reese says that auxiliary volunteers do much more than that. Especially while an incident is happening.
Emergency scenes are different. Every one is different. We do a lot of power poles down and those are fine and we’re in and out. But when you have an actual structure fire or a brush fire, which we’re coming up on brush season, we’re busy and we’re focused and hydration is a big issue. Just delivering water or three in the morning in the middle of winter coffee is nice. But delivering liquids to us and keeping us hydrated and making sure that someone’s looking out for our basic needs while we’re busy is a big help. And sometimes our scenes go longer. And when you get into dinner time and long extended scenes, food becomes an issue as well. So it’s very nice to have someone out there looking out for you. – Jason Reese, Treasurer, Lake Linden Volunteer Fire Department
Reese hopes to encourage between 15 to 20 people from the area to join the Lake Linden Fire Department Auxiliary. Joining a fire department as a volunteer can be intimidating or may not be something someone can physically handle. But joining an auxiliary offers another route of supporting the community in times of need.
We do a lot of safety things outside of fire safety. Halloween patrols, holiday patrols, holiday events. We do a lot of marshmallow roasting. We even tried a slip and slide last year. And we find that a lot of the community just, they don’t want to be a fireman and we respect that. And it is a difficult and tough position to hold, especially as a volunteer with 40 calls a year. But this still gives them an opportunity to give to the fire department and support us in our needs. both during emergency services as well as fundraising and community events. – Jason Reese, Treasurer, Lake Linden Volunteer Fire Department
Many fire departments around Copper Country are volunteer led. As are auxiliaries. These groups support the community throughout the year in a variety of ways. From the loud sirens added to parades to comforting a family at a time of need. Those interested in learning more about the Lake Linden Fire Department and the auxiliary should contact Jason Reese for more information.
Jason Reese, Treasurer, Lake Linden Volunteer Fire Department: 906 370 3515
Reese also suggests messaging the department online via its facebook page.
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