Junior firefighter programs give young people 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
- Leadership development for America's youth, who are tomorrow's leaders
- Educating parents and mentors on the importance of encouraging volunteerism
About the EVFD Program
The EVFD Junior Firefighter Program affords its members, ages 9 – 15, the opportunity to learn firefighting and EMS skills in a safe and structured environment. Junior firefighter’s build strong bonds with peers while working together to meet common goals within the program, as well as in the community. The program is organized and facilitated by active members of the EVFD. They lead, guide, and teach the juniors but the juniors themselves take leadership and decision making roles
With elections for chief, captains, lieutenants, sergeants, and board of directors, juniors experience the practical application of the fire department structure and roles, thus preparing them for not only positions in the fire de- partment but leadership roles in whatever they choose to do in life.
Although parents/guardians are not required to volunteer their time to the program, we love to get our member’s family involved. These volunteers are instrumental in the success of the program and because our members love to share their junior firefighter experiences with their families, the EVFD junior program offers many ways for family members to get involved. Parent/ Guardians may choose to participate as little or as much as they would like. Some even choose to become members of the EVFD either by becoming an active member, joining the association or auxiliary.
Mission Statement
To maintain a safe environment for the youth of our community to gather, for the purpose of learning the many aspects of the fire service, as well as provide avenues for positive social interaction.
To build each junior up to their potential by focusing on leadership, character, team—work, and community.
To provide an active and enjoyable program for our members and their families.
Core Values
- Safety
- Accountability
- Educate
- Professionalism
- Teamwork
- Compassion
- Service to others
- Integrity
- Honesty
- Self-discipline
- Respect
- Dignity
- Pride
- Honor
- Friendship
- Fun
What types of activities can you expect from the EVFD Junior Firefighter Program?
- Training in firefighting and EMS participation in local parades
- Field trips
- Community service (adopt-a-road, fire safety education, etc.)
- Assist during EVFD events (bingo, open house, community outreach, breakfasts, etc.)
- Fundraising
- The yearly banquet (formal gathering to celebrate the achievements of the past year as well as the instillation of our new officers and board)
What Juniors say about their program
2022-24
2012-13
2012-13
2012-13