FRAMINGHAM, MA — The Framingham Auxiliary Police announced today that they will be holding an open house, during National Volunteer Week, on Wednesday, April 22, 2009; 7:30 PM at the Framingham Police Station, One William Welch Way, Framingham. The purpose of the open house is to provide information to people who may have an interest in participating in Public Safety by becoming a Framingham Auxiliary Police Officer.

The Framingham Auxiliary Police is a VOLUNTEER organization that has been assisting the Framingham Police Department for over 67 years. Membership in the Framingham Auxiliary Police provides a means for residents of Framingham to make their town a safer and better place to live and work. The Framingham Auxiliary Police is also a component of Framingham Emergency Management, and is trained and prepared to assist our community in the event of an emergency or disaster.

Captain Marc Spigel, Commanding Officer of the Framingham Auxiliary Police, stated that: “We are currently looking for residents of Framingham who have a strong interest and commitment to community service in the areas of Homeland Security and Public Safety.”

The Framingham Auxiliary Police collectively provide approximately 4,000 hours of community service each year to the town. Our community service includes activities such as weekend patrols, assisting at the police station, road races (including the Boston Marathon), Concerts on the Green, and the annual Flag Day events. The Framingham Auxiliary Police also sponsors a child safety program each year, which to date has educated the families of over 10,000 children from our community. The Framingham Auxiliary Police has earned the honor of a Presidential Service Award for community service and commitment in each of the years, 2003 through 2008, that this award has been available.

If you are interested in community service, over 21 years old, a US citizen, have no criminal record, and have been a resident of Framingham for over six months you are invited to attend the open house. Applications will be available at the open house for interested residents. All applicants will be subject to written entrance examinations, interviews and background verification. All new members will be expected to complete a 200 hour state run academy training program, and commit to between 15 and 20 hours of community service each month.

The open house is being held during National Volunteer Week, that in 2009 is “Celebrating People in Action”, honoring those who dedicate themselves to taking action and bettering their communities. National Volunteer Week is also about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities, and that is why we invite you to our open house and give you an opportunity to help your community.

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