FIFD introduces Junior Firefighter Program
The Fishers Island Fire Department officers are pleased to launch a new program for high school students committed to volunteering for our Island department.
Why do a program like this:
The Fishers Island Fire Department is an integral part of our island community and a Junior Program offers excellent opportunities for young adults to learn new skills, gain leadership experience, give back to the island, and understand what it means to be part of a group of dedicated volunteers.
Time commitment required:
Junior members would initially be required to meet twice a month, and attend monthly FIFD meetings and drills (one meeting and one drill per month) in accordance with our FIFD by-laws, assigned Sunday duties. Time commitments will likely be adjusted over time and in coordination with School functions and commitments.
Age range:
Currently, only young adults who are 15, 16, or 17 years of age may apply, though we are investigating the potential for younger members in the future.
Do they need a sponsor?
Yes, as required of new adult volunteers, the young adults would also need a current FIFD member to sponsor their application.
Interested or have Questions?
If you are interested in joining the Junior Firefighter program or have questions, please contact FIFD EMT Jess Hall [email protected] and FIFD Medic Rod Rodriguez [email protected].
NVFC (National Volunteer Fire Council) National Junior Firefighter Program Information
It is key to attract people into the emergency services while they are young so that they form a lifelong connection, whether as a first responder or as a community supporter. Junior firefighter programs give our nation’s youth the chance to learn about local fire, rescue, and emergency medical services response organizations in a safe, controlled, educational, and fun way while providing departments with an excellent recruitment mechanism.
Reaching out to people when they are young has long range effects, and encouraging youth to take part in the emergency services is extremely beneficial to local communities and departments. Benefits of junior firefighter programs include:
- Allowing youth to gain insight and interest in becoming long-term members of the emergency services
- Increasing awareness among youth about volunteering and supporting the fire and emergency services
- Providing departments with additional help in accomplishing non-firefighting or non-emergency tasks
- Instilling valuable life skills, such as teamwork, responsibility, and cooperation in our nation’s youth
- Leadership development for America’s youth, who are tomorrow’s leaders
- Educating parents and mentors on the importance of encouraging volunteerism