Chandlerhas launched a campaign to recruit volunteers for its Fire Department’s social service program, which provides practical support, referral services and emotional assistance to individuals and families who have experienced traumatic events, such as serious-injury accidents, assaults, robberies, domestic violence, homicides, suicides, drownings and structure fires.
Selected volunteers will be a part of the department’s crisis response unit that is staffed with a combination of fulltime personnel, college interns and volunteers.
On the crisis scene, two-person teams focus on the emotional and social needs of the family or individual in crisis while police and fire personnel attend to law enforcement, medical emergency and fire suppression needs.
“Crisis Response volunteers provide a valuable service to Chandler’s public safety workers and the community,” said Battalion Chief Brad Miller.
“Their support for victims and other clients often enables our Fire and Police personnel to return to their normal operational duties more quickly. It takes dedication, professionalism and a lot of compassion and understanding to serve in this role.”
Selected applicants will be required to attend Maricopa Association of Governments regional crisis intervention training, as well as specific Chandler Fire and Police department training, including ride-alongs, driving and blood-borne pathogen safety training.
Volunteers are also required to attend monthly meetings for continuing education opportunities, service call discussions and more.
Additional details are online at www.chandleraz.gov/fire .
Potential volunteers must attend an orientation meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11, at Fire Department headquarters,151 E. Boston St.
The orientation will include an overview of the crisis Response program, the Fire Department’s service philosophy, and a question and answer session. Volunteers must be age 21 or older.
To attend, please call 480-782-2120 or email chandlerfire@chandleraz.gov .
