Overview
On June 3, 2020, the Colorado Auxiliary Emergency Communication Unit Administration Plan was signed by DHSEM. The purpose of the Auxiliary Emergency Communication Unit Administration Plan sets forth state expectations, procedures and guidelines for the administration, guidance, operation and support of the Auxiliary Emergency Communication Unit (AuxComm Unit). The plan identifies the roles and responsibilities of the AuxComm Unit to provide amateur communication support to various levels of government and other served agencies during periods of local, regional, state or national emergencies. Adoption of the plan established guidelines to staff and train the AuxComm Unit under the Authority of the Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S. 24-33.5-705.5)
In 2016, Colorado House Bill 16-1040 established the auxiliary emergency communications unit referred to as Colorado Auxiliary Communications (AuxComm) within DHSEM's Office of Emergency Management.
About Colorado AuxComm
Colorado AuxComm is a specialized incident and disaster response public safety communications unit made up of volunteers, whose primary mission is to support the DHSEM and the State Emergency Operations Center. Colorado AuxComm may also act to support local jurisdictions and agencies through the state resource mobilization process. In addition to providing emergency communications, Colorado AuxComm works with our emergency communications agencies such as the Amateur Radio Emergency Service, the American Red Cross and the Colorado National Guard to develop interoperability solutions and cooperative agreements.
Volunteer Requirements and Application Process
Requirements
Applicants to Colorado AuxComm must have a willingness to serve and be at least 18 years of age.
Prior to application, the individual must have completed
FEMA's online Incident Command System courses IS 100.c, IS 200.c, IS 700.b, IS 800.d
COTrain Colorado Interoperability, Module 1, Module 2, Module 3 (Currently Suspended)
OPSEC Awareness for Military Members, DoD Employees and Contractors
Prior to application members must have an Amateur Radio Operator license.
Colorado AuxComm is a volunteer organization. In most cases, team members are able to easily manage work, life, and Colorado AuxComm commitments. However, emergencies and disasters know no time schedule. In times of emergency Colorado AuxComm members may be called upon to operate at night, on weekends, during normal business hours, and on holidays. Before applying to Colorado AuxComm, consider your availability and willingness to serve. Though a limited number of our members have administrative assignments that allow them to work from home, many Colorado AuxComm assignments required members to deploy to the field, potentially under rustic conditions.
The Colorado Auxiliary Communications Unit (Colorado AuxComm) within the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management's Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is currently seeking qualified volunteers who have a desire to serve the Colorado community with emergency communications capability in time of emergency. This volunteer unit was created to provide emergency communications support to the OEM and the State of Colorado.
Colorado AuxComm is currently looking for volunteers with experience in or the willingness to be trained in one or more of the following fields of expertise:
All Hazard Communications
National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Communications
Amateur Radio License General Class License or Higher
Military Auxiliary Radio System
Additional communication roles are being developed and we are looking for people with diverse communications backgrounds and experiences that are willing to help develop and grow the organization.
Application Process
- Download, and following the instructions, complete the Colorado AuxComm Volunteer Service Agreement and Colorado AuxComm Application.
- Successfully pass a background check. AuxComm Fingerprinting Process
- Attend the Auxiliary Communications workshop.
- Members must attend annual team training and a minimum of one deployment per year.
- For questions, concerns, or assistance with the application process, contact State AuxComm at:
- Email: CO_AuxComm@state.co.us
- Colorado AuxComm Administration: 720-880-3401
Documents
Download and the documents below and submit to following the directions.
- Colorado AuxComm Volunteer Service Agreement
- Colorado AuxComm Application Form
- Colorado AuxComm Fingerprinting Process
- Auxiliary Emergency Communications Unit Administration Plan 2020
If you need an accessible or accommodated version of the 2020 administrative plan, please email micki.trost@state.co.us or complete this request form.
