National Junior Firefighter Program: Resources For Departments

We are so glad that you are interested in starting a junior firefighter program! Fire, rescue, and EMS organizations can use the resources on this site to implement, expand, and encourage participation in their local youth program. Take advantage of these tools to set your program up for success and maximize its capabilities.

Starting a Program

• Junior Firefighter Program Starter Kit, 2nd Edition (PDF)
• Request to use the Junior Firefighter Program logo
• Check out the Fire Corps Activity Ideas for nonoperational tasks that may be applicable to your junior program.

Funding

• Sponsorship Toolkit (PDF)

Marketing and Recruitment

• Utilize the Make Me A Firefighter recruitment campaign resources to post your junior volunteer opportunities and create marketing materials.
• Juniors Recruitment Video (download from Vimeo)
• Recruitment Ideas (PDF)

Training

• Online training is available for departments and volunteers through the NVFC’s Virtual Classroom.
• Core Competencies for the Junior Fire Service was developed by the NVFC to address the need for safe, functional, and effective training exercises for junior firefighters. This guide outlines key skills junior firefighters will need as they look forward to their futures in the fire service, followed by step-by-step training drills. Video footage from case studies conducted by the NVFC during research for this publication can be accessed below:
  • Cherryville Fire Department
  • East Norwich Fire Company No. 1
  • Los Angeles County Fire Department Stations 3 and 54
  • Soldier Township Fire Department
• An junior firefighter fitness video series was developed to demonstrate simple exercises juniors can do around the station. Teenagers’ specific fitness needs were taken into consideration. (Remember to consult a physician before engaging in a new exercise program.)
  • Dumbbell Squat
  • Over Unders
  • Push-Ups
  • Squats
  • Twist-Toss
  • Suspended Rows
• The National Fire Academy’s Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP) is an intensive six-day educational opportunity designed specifically for volunteer and combination department emergency services personnel. Junior firefighters ages 16-18 are eligible to attend these courses as long as they are accompanied at all times by their legal guardian.

Liability and Safety Information

• Sample Parental Consent Form – You can modify this form for use in your department. You should consult your department’s legal counsel, insurance carrier, and state association regarding specific policies in your department and laws in your state.
• State Laws – Each state has different regulations and laws concerning the activities in which youth fire service volunteers are allowed to participate. Information can generally be found by visiting your state’s Department of Labor and investigating child labor laws. Your state fire association or state fire marshal’s office is also a good source for information.
• Background Checks – Conducting background checks on new applicants and members can be a vital component of mitigating liability and risks associated with having juniors in your fire department.

Sample Documents

The sample documents below can be adapted for your department to help you implement and maintain your junior firefighter program.

• Guidelines
  • Sample Operating Guidelines (Word)
  • Operating Guidelines (PDF) from Monrovia Volunteer Fire-Rescue Junior Firefighter Program
  • Junior Members Standard (PDF) from NC Fire and Rescue Commission
• Applications
  • Application (PDF) from Monrovia Volunteer Fire-Rescue Junior Firefighter Program
  • Application (Word) from Rewey Fire Department Junior Firefighter Program
• Press Releases
  • Press release sample (Word) from Elkridge Junior Firefighter Program
  • Press release sample (Word) from Elkridge Junior Firefighter Program
• Promotional Ads
  • Customizable print ad (PDF)
  • Ad text sample (Word) From Elkridge Junior Firefighter Program
• For New Members
  • Booklet (Word) from Elkridge Junior Firefighter Program
  • Info for Parents (Word) from Elkridge Junior Firefighter Program
  • Parental consent form (Word) from the Cherryville Fire Department Junior Firefighter Program

Awards

Click here to learn more about the NVFC’s annual awards, including those for excellence in junior firefighting.