The West Buncombe Fire Department Auxiliary provides support to our firefighters, their families, and the West Buncombe Community. Throughout the year, the Auxiliary hosts community events, supports training opportunities for the firefighters and their families, and hosts various fundraisers to help raise money for the support efforts.
What is a fire auxiliary? Historically, fire auxiliaries date back to the early days of organized firefighting, where community involvement and volunteerism were crucial components of fire protection services. As cities grew, organized fire services became apparent. Volunteer fire departments became more structured, and auxiliary members often provided essential support roles. During World War I and World War II, fire auxiliaries became particularly important. With many men serving in the military, women and other community members formed auxiliary groups to support fire departments, handle emergencies, and provide home-front safety. During large-scale emergencies and natural disasters, auxiliaries provided much-needed logistical and operational support, ensuring that professional firefighters could focus on direct response efforts.
The WBFD Auxiliary helps firefighter families manage the demands and stresses associated with their loved one’s profession to help foster resilience and a sense of community. We strive to foster a group where firefighter families can share their experiences, challenges, and successes to create a safe community to help deal with the emotional stress of having a family member in a high-risk position. The Auxiliary enjoys organizing social events and activities to bring our fire families together and build a strong support network. We host educational workshops and provide resources on topics like stress management, health and wellness, and financial planning.
The Auxiliary meets each month, typically via Zoom, and occasionally in person when there are upcoming events. We welcome any spouse or family member of a West Buncombe Fire Department employee and/or Volunteer and anyone else in the community who is interested in serving this great department. If you are interested in learning more about the Auxiliary and/or joining the group, please email Auxiliary President Noralynn Gudger.
Auxiliary Leadership
