Junior Emergency Service Program - 16 & 17 yr. olds
The purpose of this program is to attract new members to the WFC and develop the skills of those new members. This program offers Junior Firefighters a way to meaningfully serve the public and make a difference in their community. A dedicated Junior Firefighter will, over time, develop invaluable skills that are applicable to any career path, including a strong work ethic, analysis and problem solving in high pressure situations, and the ability to work on a team. This program is designed to ignite an interest in public service into a lifelong passion.
While being a Junior Firefighter requires a commitment of time and effort, the academics of the Junior member are paramount to his or her obligations to the Whitehall Fire Company. Time served volunteering can count towards volunteer hours necessary for graduation.
Junior Firefighters are expected to attend weekly WFC drills on Thursdays. In addition, Juniors will enter the PA Entry Level Firefighter Program through either the Allegheny County Fire Academy or SHACOG. The SHACOG program generally follows a class schedule of Thursday evenings and Saturdays, January through October with summers off. Juniors are expected to complete the PA Entry Level Firefighter Modules 1-3 (Once 18 years of age, Module 4 and Fire Fighter I certification).
On fire calls, senior firefighters or officers will supervise Juniors. Once trained, Juniors may participate with exterior operations. Juniors will never be placed into situations they should not be in whether through law or their skill level.
The Whitehall Fire Company Junior Emergency Service Program is compliant with PA Child Labor Act, the provisions of which are summarized below.
Hours of Activity:
Members 16 and 17 years old CANNOT:
While being a Junior Firefighter requires a commitment of time and effort, the academics of the Junior member are paramount to his or her obligations to the Whitehall Fire Company. Time served volunteering can count towards volunteer hours necessary for graduation.
Junior Firefighters are expected to attend weekly WFC drills on Thursdays. In addition, Juniors will enter the PA Entry Level Firefighter Program through either the Allegheny County Fire Academy or SHACOG. The SHACOG program generally follows a class schedule of Thursday evenings and Saturdays, January through October with summers off. Juniors are expected to complete the PA Entry Level Firefighter Modules 1-3 (Once 18 years of age, Module 4 and Fire Fighter I certification).
On fire calls, senior firefighters or officers will supervise Juniors. Once trained, Juniors may participate with exterior operations. Juniors will never be placed into situations they should not be in whether through law or their skill level.
The Whitehall Fire Company Junior Emergency Service Program is compliant with PA Child Labor Act, the provisions of which are summarized below.
Hours of Activity:
- While school is in session, not permitted from 12a.m. to 6a.m.
- While school is not in session (summer, holidays vacation), not permitted from 1a.m. to 6a.m.
- No more than 8 hours on a school day; no more than 10 on days with no school.
- No more than 28 hours during a regular school week.
- No more than 48 hours during a regular week. (summer, holiday vacation)
Members 16 and 17 years old CANNOT:
- Operate any Company vehicle, including, driving, pumping, aerial ladder, hydraulic jack
- Enter burning structures on a call. (Exceptions for certified training)
- Junior are not permitted to operate any aerial device mounted on a fire apparatus (ex. the outriggers on 301 Truck)
- Juniors are not permitted to operate elevators or participate in elevator rescues.
- Juniors are not permitted to perform rescue operations in tunnels, shafts, or trenches.
- Juniors are not allowed to participate in emergencies at firework plants, retailers, or in support of public safety for a public display.
- Juniors are not permitted to perform emergency operations in or around mines or quarries.
- The following are prohibited activities designated as hazardous for Juniors:
- Juniors are not permitted to participate in the response to incidents involving paint products.
- Juniors are not permitted to participate in the response to incidents involving radioactive substances.
- Juniors are not permitted to perform rooftop ventilation or any other work on any roofs.
- Juniors are not permitted to operate acetylene torches, cutting, or crushing equipment, or respond to structural collapse incidents.
- Juniors are not permitted to operate circular saws, band saws, guillotine shears, chain saws, reciprocating saws, woodchippers, and abrasive cutting discs.
"My experience as a Junior Firefighter and in volunteer fire service not only kept me focused, but it helped propel my career. My application for a very competitive internship was chosen for the sole reason that I had a strong public service record as a volunteer firefighter."
"During high school, instead of wasting time playing video games, I spent much of my free time attending fire classes and working around the fire station. My dedication to the fire service continues to pay dividends in my life, whether it is giving me an outlet to spend my time or as a strong component of my resume."
"During high school, instead of wasting time playing video games, I spent much of my free time attending fire classes and working around the fire station. My dedication to the fire service continues to pay dividends in my life, whether it is giving me an outlet to spend my time or as a strong component of my resume."