The sister- and brotherhood of the fire service welcomes not only adults, but youth as well. Any teen can enroll in a Junior or Explorer program and begin a rewarding journey. This is your chance to truly make a difference in your community. Join the volunteer fires service and you will find it will be one of the best decisions of your life.
Ready to Get Started? Find Your Nearest Junior Program Here
There are hundreds of departments across New York State that offer Junior Firefighter, Fire Explorer, RAM-Restricted Activity Member and similar programs for young adults looking to explore the exciting and fulfilling world of fire and emergency services. As the opportunities, limitations and expectations may vary, use our directory below to find a youth program near you and get started today:
Join the Fun. Join the Fire Service Family.
When you enter the fire service, you enter into a family like no other. No one knows the pride, privilege and bravery that comes with being a firefighter like your fellow volunteers. In every volunteer fire department youโll find adult role models and other young people you can look up to and be mentored by. This is a great opportunity to be a part of something special and make lifelong friendships. We work hard and we have a lot of fun doing it.
Learn New Skills and Elevate Your Confidence.
Surrounded by mentors and others as committed to your success as you are, participation in a fire department youth program is a great confidence booster as you learn and practice new skills, and advance in training, learning, experience and responsibility. Youโll learn so much about yourself including things youโll be capable of that you could have never imagined before joining.
College and Career
Your community service is a great resume-builder for college and jobs. Beyond just satisfying high school graduation requirements, college admissions offices and employers love seeing community service experience on applications and volunteer firefighting is a great way to serve. Youโll also develop essential leadership skills that will come in handy no matter what you choose to do. The public looks up to firefighters more than virtually any other occupation and thereโs no better network to be a part of than the fire service when looking for career and life path connections.
Scholarships & Tuition Assistance Programs
You can earn scholarships and take advantage of college tuition reimbursement programs as a fire department youth program member. The Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) and other organizations offer numerous scholarships each year just for volunteer firefighters. FASNYโs Higher Education Learning Plan (HELP) provides up to 100 percent college tuition reimbursement at any New York State school โ but it starts with joining your local volunteer fire department first.
Start Your Journey and Make History
Thereโs a rich history of volunteer firefighting in New York and today more than 1,700 volunteer fire departments uphold a great tradition and legacy that has shaped how Americans fight fires and protect communities for centuries. So many credit getting their start in their local volunteer fire department as the catalyst for personal and professional success; growing to do great things in their community, the fire and emergency services profession, and every career path imaginable. Now is the time to learn more and get involved.
