Junior Firefighter Program

---

The Junior Firefighter Program has been instituted by the Rotterdam Volunteer Fire Company, Rotterdam District No. 2 (RFD2) as a training program for young men and women, 16 and 17 years of age, interested in serving their community and preparing to become active firefighters upon reaching the age of 18.  At age 18, the Junior Firefighter falls under NYS Law in regards to firefighter general rules and emergency response as an active firefighter. As long as the Junior Firefighter is still in High School, or an 18 year old Firefighter who is still in High School, the curfew hours and contact with parent/guardian rules are still in effect until graduation from High School

As a Junior Firefighter, members serve in a support role for the senior firefighters at actual emergencies as a supplement to the formal training program.  The Junior Firefighter shall attend monthly training drills with the full department.  A RFD2 firematic officer serves as the Junior Firefighter’s training officer, and is the primary contact person for the Junior Firefighter.  Those selected as Junior Firefighters 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 firematic officers shall closely supervise them.  The Junior Firefighters quickly become an integral part of the firefighting team during emergencies, serving in such important capacities as establishing a water supply, supplying equipment for interior firefighters, changing air packs, manning exterior hose lines and assisting with interior overhaul once a fire has been extinguished and the building has been deemed safe and free of hazardous materials and toxic gases.  It should be understood, however, that despite the training and supervision provided, firefighting is a dangerous activity and serious injury is a possibility.  The firematic officers shall 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.  The RFD2 firematic and administrative officers are available to discuss any questions.

The Chief Officer of RFD2 will hold overall responsibility for this program.

The 1st Assistant Chief of RFD2 or, in his/her absence, a firematic officer appointed by the Chief will hold firematic administrative responsibilities for the Junior Firefighter Program at RFD2.

The Captain shall be responsible for conducting Probationary Training and will participate in all evaluations of Junior Firefighter training and conduct.

A Mentor(s) will be assigned, by the 1st Assistant Chief to perform day-to-day mentoring of Junior Firefighters.  

The Vice President of the Fire Company will be assigned mentoring duties for the Social end of the Fire Company.

Quarterly reviews of academic standings, participation, and overall progress will be conducted by the 1st Assistant Chief, Captain, and assigned mentors for all Junior Firefighters.

Any resident of the Town of Rotterdam, over the age of 16 and under the age of 18 and/or still in High School, may make application for membership in the RFD2 Junior Firefighter Program.

The applicant must be in good academic standing at his/her school at the time of application and during the period of membership as a Junior Firefighter.  A minimum GPA of 70 and no more than 1 failing grade must be maintained. On a quarterly basis contact will be made by the Junior’s mentor, and the Junior Firefighter Administrator, to the Junior’s parent/guardian to ensure these grades are being maintained. If the Junior’s grades do fall below the minimum GPA required, the Junior will not be allowed to respond to calls or participate in any FD2 activity until such time his/her grades are above the minimum GPA required. 

The applicant must complete an application, including the medical authorization, arson background check, and sexual offender registry check.  Included with the application is a parental consent that must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.  The application must be approved by the RFD2 Chief and the RFD2 Junior Firefighter Administrator.

The applicant and his/her parent or guardian will be interviewed by the RFD2 Board of Directors and Chief or RFD2 Junior Firefighter Administrator.  Obtaining membership will be in accordance with By-Laws Article V.

Minimum requirements for active participation as an Junior Firefighter shall be 10% of applicable calls, 25% of firematic drills, 25% of company meetings and social functions following RFD2 Bylaws.

Junior Firefighters may participate in all RFD2 sponsored events.

The general standard of conduct is to act in the manner of a professional.  Junior Firefighters represent RFD2, and are expected to be courteous and respectful to fellow firefighters and emergency service personnel and all citizens served. RFD2 will not tolerate vulgar, offensive, discriminatory or threatening language or gestures at any time.  Junior Firefighters may not wear any article of clothing that, in the opinion of a firematic officer, would be offensive to the public served.  Violations will result in disciplinary action, and may include suspension.

RFD2 maintains a “Zero Tolerance” policy with respect to drug and alcohol use and violation of public laws.  Any possession or use of alcohol or illegal drugs, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, on RFD2 premises or apparatus, emergency scene, training drill, official function, or while in RFD2 uniform will result in immediate and permanent suspension from the RFD2 Junior Firefighter Program.  Junior Firefighters may not smoke on RFD2 premises or apparatus, emergency scene, training drill, official function, or while in RFD2 uniform.  Any arrest or conviction for a crime will result in a review of the circumstances by the RFD2 Chief and Officers, and may result in disciplinary action, including permanent suspension.

Junior Firefighters may not use or display emergency identification on their personal vehicle (e.g., blue lights and fire department plates).  

Junior Firefighters must leave the station by 9:00pm on all school nights. In the event a Junior Firefighter is involved in an incident, training, or RFD2 event, and cannot leave before 9:00pm, the parents of the Junior Firefighter will be contacted and advised of the situation for permission to keep the firefighter past 9:00pm. 

Junior Firefighters must leave the station by midnight on all non-school nights. In the event a Junior firefighter is involved in an incident, training, or RFD2 event, and cannot leave before midnight, the parents of the Junior Firefighter will be contacted and advised of the situation for permission to keep the firefighter past midnight. 

Junior Firefighters are not permitted to attend overnight stand-by details (will be released from a stand-by not later than 9:00 PM on school nights and midnight on non-school nights) or to accompany RFD2 firefighters covering the station of another fire department.

Junior Firefighters may not borrow RFD2 equipment for personal use unless authorized by the appropriate social or firematic officer.

Junior Firefighters should ride in the Rescue Truck only unless directed otherwise by a Firematic Officer.

Junior Firefighters may not operate RFD2 vehicles.

A Junior Firefighter shall only operate mechanical or power tools to include but not limited to: power tools, hydraulic and pressurized air operated equipment, and cutting devices such as chain saws/roof saws, air bags and forcible entry tools during drills and training.  The Junior Firefighter is not allowed to operate these items at emergency calls.

Junior Firefighters may climb RFD2 ground ladders for training purposes only. Any ladder use must be under the direct supervision of a RFD2 firematic officer or his/her designee.  A ladder belt or safety harness and full protective gear must be worn at all times.  Ladders or aerial equipment of another fire department may not be used by the Junior Firefighter without the consent of a firematic officer from the other department and a RFD2 firematic officer.

Junior Firefighters are not to participate in any RFD2 activity, including emergencies, during school hours.  Junior Firefighters are not to leave school, or a school sponsored activity, for an emergency or non-emergency response.  Junior Firefighters are not to respond to any alarm dispatched after 9:00 PM on a school night (Sunday-Thursday).

Junior Firefighters are responsible for the care of all RFD2 gear issued to them, and are financially responsible for loss or damage from other than official use as an Junior Firefighter.

Junior Firefighters may not fill SCBA air bottles, and are to remain clear of the filling area when air bottles are being filled unless under the direct supervision of an RFD2 firematic officer or his/her designee.

All Junior Firefighters are to be seated and belted in the cab when the apparatus is in motion.

Junior Firefighters shall report directly to the station at all times.  Junior Firefighters shall not drive personal vehicles to any scene.

Junior Firefighters shall report any injury to a RFD2 firematic officer immediately.

Junior Firefighters shall not accept monetary payment or gifts for services rendered as a firefighter.  Any citizen offering payment of any kind should be advised that payment for firefighting services is not expected.  Never accept contributions at an emergency scene.  Those individuals seeking to make a contribution should be advised to consider a voluntary contribution to RFD2 as part of the annual fund drive.

Junior Firefighters are not allowed to have more than 2 guests under the age of 21 at the station at the same time.  Although we encourage the Junior Firefighter to be excited and engaged in the Fire Department, the station is not to be used as a group hang out.

RFD#2 Junior Firefighters will obtain an exceptional amount of experience, skills, and knowledge while in this program. 

Some other benefits of the Junior Program:

• Scholarship opportunities
• Great resume builder
• Best way to help your community
• Create many useful contacts
• Exposure to real-world scenarios
• Gain a second family (The Firehouse Family)

What are you waiting for? If this program interests you, CLICK HERE to download an application!