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The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and Spartan Motors launched the National Junior Firefighter Program on July 28 at Firehouse Expo in Baltimore, Maryland. The event featured remarks from leaders of the NVFC and Spartan Motors, guest speakers, and members of an active junior firefighter program from Maryland's Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department.

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. The National Junior Firefighter Program offers departments resources and tools for developing and managing a local program, as well as for recruitment efforts. Departments can also register their local program in a searchable, online listing. Young people can use the National Junior Firefighter Program to find a local program, learn what it means to be a junior firefighter, and log their hours of service to receive special recognition and incentives as they reach certain milestones.

During the launch, Erron Kinney, a former NFL player and active volunteer firefighter, addressed the crowd. "Being a junior firefighter is a very positive, wonderful way for young people to spend their time, and it can prepare them for a future in the fire service," he said. Kinney started his own involvement in the emergency services as a junior firefighter.

"The future of the fire service is our youth," said NVFC Executive Director Heather Schafer, who facilitated the launch. "We are pleased to partner with Spartan Motors to launch a national program that will help departments address their recruitment issues."
 
To learn more about the National Junior Firefighter Program, utilize the online resources, or register your existing program, visit here. Questions can be sent to juniors@nvfc.org or call 1-888-ASK-NVFC (275-6832).