Miller’s Ferry Fire Department Junior Firefighter Program Guidelines
The Junior Firefighter Program was instituted
by the Miller’s Ferry Volunteer Fire Department as a training program for young men and women, aged 14-18, interested in serving their
community and preparing to become active firefighters upon reaching the age of 18. At age 18, the Junior Firefighter is eligible to
attend the Firefighter Course to become a full member of the Miller’s Ferry Fire Department upon successful completion. As a Junior
Firefighter, members serve in a support role for the senior firefighters at actual emergencies as a supplement to a formal training
program. The Junior Firefighters attend weekly training drills with the full Department. The first Tuesday of the month is a business
meeting with a meal served at 6:30PM. The second Tuesday is a fire meeting, the third Tuesday is a Medical Responder meeting which
the Juniors are not required to attend. The fourth Tuesday is another fie meeting for the entire department.
A
fire department officer serves as the Junior Firefighter training officer, and he is the primary contact person for the Junior Firefighter.
Those selected are expected to act in a mature manner and commit to a demanding, long-term program. In both training sessions and
actual emergency situations, the safety of the Junior Firefighter is of paramount concern to the Department. As such, the activities
of the Junior Firefighters are limited in scope and the fire officers closely supervise them. The Junior Firefighters quickly become
an integral part of the firefighting team during emergencies, serving in such important capacities as establishing a water supply,
supplying equipment for interior firefighters, changing air packs, manning exterior hose lines and assisting with interior overhaul
once a fire has been extinguished. It should be understood, however, that despite the training and supervision provided, firefighting
is a dangerous activity and serious injury is a possibility.
The fire officers will make every effort to minimize
the Junior Firefighters’ exposure to danger. It is also the responsibility of the Junior Firefighter to avoid known hazardous situations.
Due to the inherent dangers of firefighting, strict rules of conduct and tight procedural standards have been established. In an actual
emergency, it is essential that all firefighters, including Junior Firefighters, act in a calm and efficient manner. The Junior Firefighters
are expected to attend training drills to be prepared for the many challenges presented in an emergency situation. Each member is
expected to read and understand these requirements and to adhere to the standards. The administrative officers are available to discuss
any questions.
For a complete list of Junior FirefighterGuidelines please click here.