Have you ever thought about joining your local fire department?

Volunteer firefighters play a key role in keeping communities safe, but many local departments are facing a shortage of members.

Volunteer firefighters experience the thrill of helping, saving lives and making a difference in someone’s life.  The Tyrone Hookies, Neptunes, and Bald Eagle Fire Departments are some of the stations in the area that are looking for new members, and you don’t even have to be 18 to get started.

Most of the local fire departments begin their junior programs at age 16.  Bald Eagle begins their program at 14.

Tyrone senior Sarah Wilson is one of several TAHS students who got involved with firefighting prior to age 18.  “Volunteer firefighters are so important because without firefighters who would be their for accidents and fires?” asked Wilson.

While junior firefighters are limited in what they can do, they can still make big contributions to the fire company.

“During a real emergency these young adults could be a big help assisting older members,”  said John Kane, marketing director for the Allegheny Mountain Firefighters Initiative.

“By law and common sense, young people can train and assist during some emergency calls, but they may not climb ladders or go into burning buildings,” added Kane.

At the age 16 juniors can get gear and a pager, start training and can go on scene to help the regular firefighters.

“We have smoke machines so they can train in safety. This is the same harmless smoke used in the kid’s safety trailer,” said Kane.

Junior firefighters can also clean trucks and hang out at the fire station.  They can go on calls but must stay on the trucks.

“It’s a serious commitment, even for a junior member. They will enjoy themselves but this is serious business,” said Kane, “horseplay that might be okay at school or home are not tolerated.”

According to Kane, training is paid for by the department and personal protective gear is supplied.

Volunteer  firefighting is important because without volunteers, there would be no one to put out fires or help at accident scenes.

For a full list of all Blair County fire departments click here.

To join just stop by your local fire department or visit their Facebook Page for contact information (pages linked above). Interested students at the TAHS can also pick up an information sheet outside Officer Bub’s office on the second floor of the high school.