Is the fire department looking for a way to increase non-operational support, enhance community relations, and create a pipeline for recruitment? Then they should start a junior firefighter program.
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has released an updated Junior Firefighter Program Starter Kit to help departments build the framework for a successful youth program. This update was made possible with support from California Casualty.
NVFC’s Junior Firefighter Program Starter Kit
Junior firefighter programs have enormous benefits for youth participants and the fire department
Junior firefighter programs have enormous benefits for both - youth participants and the fire department. Youth get the chance to learn about the fire and emergency services in a safe and educational way, while building life skills such as teamwork, leadership, responsibility, and community service.
Departments get needed non-operational support, as well as an excellent recruitment mechanism. These programs also strengthen the bonds between the department and the community it serves.
Starter Kit designed to be a turn-key tool
This Starter Kit is designed to be a turn-key tool to help departments develop a junior firefighter program with a solid foundation. It provides step-by-step guidance on providing help in securing department support to welcoming new juniors through the bay doors.
Information on liability, setting requirements, finding funding, onboarding advisors, recruiting members, and tools for maintaining the program are included in the Starter Kit.