The Gettysburg Junior Fire Department is an element of the Gettysburg Fire Department that allows youth ages 14-17 to train, respond and gain experience in firefighting, rescue & EMS activities. Most junior members apply for senior membership in the Gettysburg Fire Department when they reach the age of 18. 

Why become a junior firefighter?

This question is often posed, and has a variety of answers. Becoming a junior firefighter is a great way to volunteer your time for the community. In the fire department, members directly improve the lives of citizens in need, and it is a very rewarding experience. 

Training

Juniors are invited to attend and participate in departmental training that is held each month. All juniors may participate in training, beginning with 14 year olds. In addition, juniors may take state certified courses. There are certain limits, however, as to what type of training juniors can participate in. These issues are addressed in Pennsylvania's Child Labor Law. Examples of activities that juniors cannot participate in include entering a burning structure, driving apparatus, operating the pump on a fire engine and participating in confined space training.

However, there are many valuable courses that juniors can complete. These courses include modules A, B & C of Harrisburg Area Community College's Fire Operations Program, as well as Hazardous Materials Operations, Incident Command, Rope Rescue and EMS courses. By taking these courses early the junior firefighter can be prepared to begin as a trained firefighter when they become a senior member.

Activities

The junior department meets every fourth Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. to discuss activities, fundraisers and general issues that face junior members. These issues include junior ride policies, school grade reports and training. In addition, all juniors are welcome at the regular department meeting that is held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.

Junior Riding Policies

In order to ride on fire apparatus to emergencies, junior firefighters must be at least 16 years of age and complete training requirements that are set forth by the Board of Officers. In addition, juniors need to be under the supervision of a fire line officer (Lt., Capt., Asst. Chief, Deputy Chief, or Chief). The requirements set forth are for the safety of the junior, as well as compliance with state laws.

School Grade Reports

As part of the Gettysburg Junior Fire Department By-laws, all members are required to submit a copy of their school grade reports to the junior advisors within 48 hours of receiving the reports. All junior firefighters must maintain a passing grade in all subjects in order to remain active members. If necessary, tutors can be arranged to assist students with their studies. The fire department recognizes the importance of each student/junior firefighter's education and that schoolwork always needs to come before departmental activities.

Become a Junior Firefighter!

Junior Firefighter applications are available at the station, 35 North Stratton Street, Gettysburg. 

Membership is open to anyone 14-17.  Contact us with questions or to learn more.