Special Operations
The special operations division encompasses several unique emergency activities, which require additional training and certifications for department personnel. These activities generally include hazardous materials response, dive team response, technical rescue response and SWAT team response.
All department members are trained to the Haz-Mat Operations level.
Several members are trained in technical rescue operations as well. Technical rescue is generally divided into high angle, trench collapse, confined space, and urban collapse rescues. Each type of rescue poses a unique situation and requires additional training, certifications, and equipment. The department has minor capabilities at this time, with plans to progress to a more advanced level in the near future.
The Auburn Fire Department participates in the Central Mass Law Enforcement Council (CMLEC) SWAT Team. The AFD provides a department Paramedic that trains and responds with the Regional SWAT Team on activations and provides Emergency Medical Services to SWAT members under the direction of the Teams Medical Director.
The department is also a member of a Regional Dive Team. The District 7 Central Regional Dive Team is made up of members and equipment from the towns of Auburn, Charlton, Oxford, Southbridge and Sturbridge. The Auburn Fire Department supplies one dive truck, two boats, four certified divers and 2 ground crew/boat operators. The Regional Dive Team has year round capabilities, and hosts a variety of advanced equipment. The team covers a total of 57 significant sized lakes and ponds, including 2 large rivers in the five towns. In addition to the Regional Dive Team, all fire department members are trained in basic water and surface ice rescue.
