Oak Creek Citizen Police Force Recruiting: Auxiliary Unit

OAK CREEK, WI — The Oak Creek Police Department Auxiliary Unit, a citizen group that assists Oak Creek police in general duties in the community, is looking for new recruits.

The group is a volunteer force consisting of citizens that are not sworn in by the department, a Facebook post by the department said. The Auxiliary Unit assists Oak Creek Police Department with community events, court duties and even during emergencies, according to Sergeant Andrew Ahearn.

Oak Creek Police Sergeant Andrew Ahearn has led the Auxiliary Unit for the past two years, he said.

Sergeant Ahearn told Patch that the Auxiliary Unit typically comes in handy during large events such as July 4, high school football games, or the upcoming National Night Out. Auxiliary Unit members also regularly assist with weekly court hearings by providing an extra set of hands and some extra security, Ahearn said.

When the need calls for it, members of the unit also assist during emergencies. Ahearn pointed to flooding as an occurrence where the Auxiliary Unit typically assists the department.

The department provides uniforms to volunteers free of charge, its Facebook post said. The group will also have ongoing training from the department.

The group has been around for some time, approximately 30 years. One member told Patch in the past that the unit serves as "the eyes and ears of the police department."

Members come from a variety of backgrounds, according to Ahearn. Some work full time jobs outside of the Auxiliary unit, some are retired, others simply do it as a way to give back to the community, Ahearn said.

The group is now actively recruiting new members. Applications for the Auxiliary Unit can be found at the Oak Creek Police Department located at 301 West Ryan Road in Oak Creek.

People can also call Sgt. Andrew Ahearn at 414-766-7646 for more details about the force.

The department has one of its biggest annual events coming up. The Annual Night Out, an event meant to bolster the relations between the police department and the community, will take place on August 3.

Citizens can talk to members of the Oak Creek Police Department and even catch a drone light show.

Related: Drone Light Show And More: Oak Creek National Night Out Planned