Brian Curry

The Community Assistance Program (CAP) of the Sun Lakes Fire Department is looking for new volunteers for a training class scheduled for February. If you are interested please phone Paul Legere at 602-284-4498. Paul is the chairperson of the recruitment committee and will help you through the application process and answer any preliminary questions you might have.

The CAP program works under the direction of the Sun Lakes Fire Department. Two member teams are dispatched to medical calls, fires, motor vehicle accidents and other emergencies. While the Fire Departments aids the ill or injured, the CAP team works with other family members or friends who need assistance. This may involve anything from providing transportation to the hospital, telephoning family members, dealing with pets in the home, providing information about various agencies that might help in a crisis, or sometimes just offering some calm conversation and emotional support.

CAP members must be in general good health, have a good driving record, pass a background check and be willing to work two six-hour monthly shifts as well as attend a monthly CAP meeting. Training is provided in first aid and CPR, driver training, radio, pager and mobile computer terminal use and community resources.

Before training begins in mid-February candidates must complete two preliminary ride-alongs with a working CAP team in January or early February to learn how the team operates and to experience what typical shifts are like.

If this type of community service interests you, give Paul Legere a call or drop him an e-mail at [email protected]. He will be able to answer your questions and arrange for those important ride-alongs.