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 and technical rescue response.
All department members are trained to the Haz-Mat Operations level.
Several members are trained in technical rescue operations and assigned to the District 7 Central Regional Technical Rescue Team which is made up of members and equipment from the towns of Auburn, Charlton, Oxford and Southbridge. The Auburn Fire Department supplies a Heavy Rescue and seven team members. 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 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, Dudley, Oxford, Southbridge and Sturbridge. The Auburn Fire Department supplies one dive truck, two boats, six certified divers and five 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 85 significant sized lakes and ponds, including 2 large rivers in the six towns. In addition to the Regional Dive Team, all fire department members are trained in basic water and surface ice rescue.
