With recruitment and retention of firefighters at an all‐time low nationwide, West Virginia University is working to change that narrative by providing educational opportunities for first responders, including the next generation of firefighters.
In recognition of these efforts, the WVU Extension Fire Service program recently received the Junior Firefighter Program of the Year Award from the National Volunteer Fire Council. The award, sponsored by California Casualty, honors a junior firefighter program or Explorer Post that has demonstrated significant community impact, innovation and creativity.
WVU Fire Service Extension has been serving our state for more than 94 years by providing education and outreach to first responders. The Junior Firefighter Camp, which started in 2006, is a five‐day immersive experience that allows Explorers, cadets and junior firefighters to explore various aspects of the fire service including basic skills and live fire training. Campers learn teamwork, safety, mutual responsibility and leadership. During camp, youth rotate through skills and lesson stations including ropes and knots, ladders, hazardous materials, search and rescue, confined spaces, water rescue, vehicle fires, structural fires and forcible entry, among other skills.
Participants also earn certifications in CPR/First Aid and other skills, while becoming eligible to receive up to five Eagle Scout merit badges for those involved in Scouting. Participants also receive a certificate upon successful completion of camp. More than 1,330 junior firefighters from 20 states and the Sioux Nation have graduated from the program. Former attendees return to camp to volunteer, with many participants joining the firefighter/first responder profession.
“We are humbled and grateful to the National Volunteer Fire Council for recognizing our camp with this year’s award,” Mark Lambert, director of WVU Extension Fire Service, said. “The Junior Firefighter Camp, which started in 2007, was the result of a group of forward‐looking individuals who wanted, and still want, to help with the recruitment and retention of firefighters. They also were passionate about giving young people the opportunity to experience what it is like to be a firefighter and creating a sense of community — helping one’s neighbors and looking out for one another. We are trying to enhance that narrative through our programs.”
The award, Lambert said, truly recognizes the efforts of a group of dedicated firefighters and experts from across the region who helped create a camp that provides hands‐on learning and experience. “It is because of their commitment to the profession that our Junior Firefighter Camp has achieved such success. More than 20 years ago, they had a vision, and they helped bring it to life. This award is a testament to that vision, to the people who support it and to the youth we serve through this outstanding camp.”
WVU Fire Service Extension will receive the achievement award in May in Washington, D.C. NVCF board chair, Steve Hirsch, will speak at the Junior Firefighter Camp graduation ceremony on June 19 at the State Fire Academy near WVU Jackson’s Mill. Information about the Junior Firefighter Camp, including registration details, is available online.
