This year, the station is just about up to full compliment with 11 WPI students living here. Members come from a variety of departments in numerous states which gives the station a unique atmosphere. The firefighting force operates Engine 1, Unit 3 (brush truck), and assists with the dive unit. Two firefighters are also rescue divers for the dive team. Although the members maintain strong ties with WPI's fire protection engineering department, the program is neither funded nor endorsed by WPI. The program is the sole entity of the Auburn Fire Department.
The Auburn Fire Department serves a population of approximately 15,000 people in an area of 15.4 square miles. Auburn is also well traversed by commuters using I-290, I-395, Rt. 12, Rt. 20, and the Massachusetts Turnpike. Chief Belhumeur protects the town with 3 full-time firefighters, 30 call firefighters, and 11 student call firefighters. The department operates 3 engines, a rescue, an aerial tower, a tanker, a brush truck, a dive unit and a hazardous materials trailer. The department responds to approximately 600 fire calls per year. Ambulance service is contracted by Worcester Himmer.
Two fire stations cover the town. Headquarters is located at Drury Square near the Auburn Mall. The students reside at West Station located off Rt. 12 in the west end of town, approximately 3 miles away.
The mission of the student firefighters is two-fold. First, to provide additional firefighters during weekdays when most call firefighters work their normal job. A call firefighter is paid per call, and must make a living like any other civilian. The program is made up of mainly graduate students who have class at night for this reason. Additionally, the students cut down on response time to the west end of town considerably. Three miles translates to about 3 1/2 minutes at 50 miles per hour. The 3 full-time firefighters staff headquarters during business hours only. Therefore, the night-time response may be even longer since the call firefighters must first drive to headquarters in order to get the fire apparatus.
Before joining the student force, firefighters had to pass both a written exam and a practical exam to give them the skills of Firefighter I certification. The students drill regularly with the department and occasionally have in-house trainings as well.
Members of the student firefighting force include:
Michael Dell'Orfano joined the program in the Fall semester. He brings 3 years of experience with him as he has served with the Orange County, CA F.D.
Scott Heyworth is in his second year with the Auburn F.D. He has also been an active member in the Swansea, MA F.D. for the past 6 years.
David Jacoby, is a charter member of the 2 year program. He is EMT certified in NJ working with Multi-care Ambulance Service for 3 years, and has served in the Gordons Corner Fire Company in Manalapan, NJ, for 5 years.
Kenneth Miller joined the program last Fall. Ken has 10 years in the fire service. He was a Captain and Training Officer in his 3 years with the Ester, AK F.D., and achieved the rank of Lieutenant in his 7 years with the University F.D. in Fairbanks, AK. Ken is a certified Haz Mat Technician, and EMT III in the state of Alaska. He was recently elected as the Station Manager.
Jacob Nunnemacher has been with the Auburn F.D. since the start of the program. He has been an active member of the Sutton, MA F.D. for the past 8 years and a rescue diver for 4 years.
Patrick O'Brien, came to the program last Fall after a 5 year stint with the Amherst, MA F.D. The Brockton, MA native is EMT certified in Massachusetts.
Richard Pehrson, of Edina, MN returns for a second season. Rich has national EMT certification and worked with the Oklahoma State University F.D. for 4 years. Rich was instrumental in helping establish the program.
Mark Rizzuto hails from Cheshire, CT. He is one of two members who attended the rookie school last Spring.
David Smith recently joined the program. Dave has been a firefighter and rescue diver with the Wareham, MA F.D. for the last 4 years.
Robert Sullivan joined the program last Fall. Bob has been with the Paoli, PA F.D. for the past 9 years and served 4 years with the Collegeville Fire Company while attending Ursinus College. He is EMT certified in PA, and holds certification as Firefighter III and Instructor I. He has been an instructor at the Montgomery County (PA) Fire Academy for the last 4 years. He was recently elected to Station Treasurer and is also the Station Training Officer.
Nathan Wittasek, from Woodstock, VT also completed last Spring's rookie school and is currently the Station Secretary.