Junior Firefighters

The Junior Firefighter Program is for teens between the ages of 14 and 18. As these members reach 18 years old, they become eligible for Active Membership. Our goal is to give them a sense of belonging, and to encourage interest in the fire department. This program gives them the chance to see what firefighters do on a daily basis as well as the opportunity to learn the basics of this work before taking the Level 1 Firefighters Course. We are looking for individuals that are willing to work as part of a team, able to take commands from TVFD Officers, able to serve in a professional manner, and able to attend the regular trainings and meetings.

As a Junior Firefighter, members serve in a support role for the adult firefighters at actual emergencies as a supplement to a formal training program. The Junior Firefighters attend monthly training drills with the full Department. An experienced TVFD firefighter serves as the Junior Firefighter Coordinator, and 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 department members closely supervise them. The Junior Firefighters quickly become an integral part of the firefighting team during emergencies, serving in such important capacities as supplying equipment for interior firefighters, changing air packs, assisting with accountability, collecting homeowner and insurance information, and cleanup at the end of an incident.

It should be understood, however, that despite the training and supervision provided, firefighting is a dangerous activity and serious injury is a possibility. The coordinator 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.