Years ago the Weiser Rural Fire Department began a Junior Firefighter Program to help increase possible volunteers and to engage with the youth of the community who might be interested in the field of firefighting. Chief Bud Fisher of the Weiser Fire District shared that like the volunteer firefighters, the junior program attendance has ebbed and flowed throughout the years. Currently the WFD has three Junior Firefighters, Ryker McElroy, Hadon Selders and Keegan Willet.
There are stipulations that must be followed in order for a young person to be part of the program. They must be between the ages of fourteen and eighteen and must have a good academic discipline, “You have to maintain your grades at school and have a good attendance record ” stated Chief Fisher. There is an application that needs to be filled out and signed off by a school official such as the principal or school counselor.
Junior Firefighters train alongside the firefighting crew, they receive a fire pager/radio and clothing as well as training twice a month where they are educated on the same firefighting procedures and protocols. “We teach them everything we basically teach the regular volunteer firefighters,” stated Chief Fisher.
Although Jr. Firefighters are not authorized to drive fire vehicles or to enter a structure that is on fire, they are required to know all the details of the trucks, tools and procedures. Jr. Firefighters are on scene to support the volunteer firefighters with anything they might need and are considered part of the crew. “We have them grabbing tools and dragging hose. They have to know about the trucks, tools, structure fires, car extrication, and wildland fire. Other than not being able to go into a burning building we consider them firemen,” stated Chief Fisher. After turning eighteen the Jr Firefighters can choose then to become a Volunteer Firefighter and receive the training that would allow them to drive fire vehicles and enter structure fires.
Hadon Selders is a sophomore at Weiser High. Selders plans to go into the profession of welding after high school he shared his reason for signing on as a Jr. Firefighter with the Weiser Fire District, “I felt this would help me out with jobs in the future and if I decide to come back to this, this would give me experience.”
Ryker McElroy is a sophomore at Weiser High and plans to continue into fire professionally after high school. “I plan to go career firefighter. The reason I came here was because I have been around this department since I was a little kid. I grew up around it. I also figured it would give me a jump when it came to career firefighting. I also am going for an EMT right now and then plan on getting my Paramedic.”
Keegan Willet is a sophomore at Weiser High School. Willet has big plans after high school, “I am going to go into the Air Force and become a mobility pilot, so it will help me pay for my college. After that I plan to become a commercial pilot and get to see around the world,” stated Willet. He shared that he wanted to join the Junior Firefighting program so that he could give back to his community and gain some experience.
If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer or Jr. Firefighter you can contact the Weiser Fire District for more information.
