SAFD is a subsidiary of the Somerville Fire Department; a group of volunteers who strive to help the local community. Our services range from assisting the Fire Department in support operations, delivering food to community members in need, flood remediation, lighting and emergency scene support, disaster first response. Our members are on call 24/7 and are trained in first response.
The Somerville Auxiliary Fire Department operates under the direction of the Somerville Fire Department. It is a non-paying, non-profit organization whose members volunteer their time, energy and skills to provide support services to the Somerville Fire Department and various city agencies.
Auxiliary Fire Department members also provide services to the Residents of the City of Somerville, and mutual aid assistance to other communities as requested. The delivery of auxiliary fire services is a unique and complex undertaking. It requires service oriented volunteers who posses sound judgment, physical and moral courage, fidelity and personal integrity. Furthermore, providing auxiliary fire services is a team effort. Each member must posses a strong willingness and capability for being an integral part of a team.
The Somerville Auxiliary Fire Department operates two squad units. Each unit being set up for a specific type of emergency as well as being set up as a secondary back up unit. Having this ability gives the auxiliary the flexibility to be ready for the changing conditions during a response.
SAFD is always looking for new members to grow our community response to emergencies. Please use the above form to inquire about our volunteer organization. Interested in joining? Fill out the documents below and contact Captain Raymond Pitcher at rpitcher@somervillema.gov for more information.
The lighting plant unit provides lighting at fires and other Fire Department emergencies. It also provides lights at crime scenes other police investigations. This truck carries two 4,000 kW generators, four large flood lights, as well as electrical cables and other lighting equipment. This unit not only responds to incident within the City, but provides mutual aid to other cities and towns as requested. During severe rain events can also be loaded with pumps and hose to respond to residential pumpouts.
The Pumpout Truck and Second Lighting unit responds to calls regarding residential flooding during severe rain events. This truck carries a wide variety of water pumps, numerous types of hoses, and other tools. It is also equipped with a 12,000 kW generator, four large flood lights, electrical cables, and other lighting equipment. not only responds to incidents within the City, but also provides mutual aid to other cities and towns as requested.
Below, find answers to our most frequently asked questions. Have a question we haven't answered here? Email Captain Raymond Pitcher at rpitcher@somervillema.gov.
What does the SAFD do?
The Somerville Auxiliary Fire Department (SAFD) is a volunteer group under the direct authority of the Somerville Fire Department. When an emergency arises in the city which the SAFD is trained to assist with, the volunteer group will respond with the fire department to the incident and help with the scene operations. This can range greatly depending in the type of emergency.
What are the requirements to join the SAFD?
Anyone can apply to join the SAFD as a volunteer. You must be willing to be present (when available) during incident responses and training. While it is advantageous to be physically able bodied, it is not a requirement, and you can still be extremely useful to the organization in a number of ways.
How does someone apply to join the SAFD?
To join the SAFD you can submit correspondence by clicking here. Send a message by filling out the form, for the ‘subject’ line write ‘Application.’ A member of the SAFD will respond to your request, and you will be directed on how to complete a full application. The application is several pages, and will require some references. The application process can take anywhere from 1-3 months due to city regulations, as the application will be viewed by the Mayor, Chief of Department, and the SAFD Captain. An alternative means of contact is to send an email to Captain Pitcher at RPitcher@somervillema.gov.
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