Stand Out as a Junior Firefighter at Jenkintown Fire Dept!

JENKINTOWN, PA – While most are settling into the new school year, Jenkintown Fire Department’s junior firefighters are gearing up to serve their community.

Julia Brandt, 16, and Max Finley, 15, of Independent Fire Company joined the department just over one year ago as junior members.

Each and every call, the pair are sharpening skills to be used on and off-duty under the direct supervision of a seasoned volunteer firefighter.

“I’ve learned about the importance of communication, and how to communicate effectively, both on the fire ground and in everyday life,” Brandt says.

“Although my involvement in fire calls is limited as a junior, I’ve learned a lot of tactical skills that I’ll be able to use when I turn 18 and become a trained firefighter,” Finley adds.

Jenkintown Fire Department’s junior firefighting program is open to teens ages 14 through 17. It gives them exposure to firefighting by participating in training and by assisting firefighters at emergencies. This includes bringing equipment to firefighters, pulling hoses, and using tools. Junior firefighters cannot enter burning buildings, but can help outside the building or on the truck.

“Watching our junior firefighters work hard each day to learn new skills is just as rewarding for me as it is for them,” says Nick Pettinati, Chief of Pioneer Fire Company. “Many of them have the goal of becoming a firefighter when they turn 18, and we’re going to make sure they are prepared for the fire academy when the time comes.”

Both Max and Julia were looking for ways to make a greater impact on their community when they joined the department. Not to mention, volunteering at the local fire company makes an excellent addition to college resumes, and can even contribute to volunteer hours required to graduate from high school.

“You need 40 hours to graduate Jenkintown High School, but I didn't know you could use volunteer firefighting to meet the requirement,” Max says. “Joining the department was really the perfect opportunity.”

As for what keeps the junior volunteers coming back is the is the tight-knit feel of the Jenkintown community, and the second family they’ve found within the fire service.

“I think Jenkintown Fire is special because of the wonderful community. Everyone cares and always shows up enthusiastic and ready to work and train. Overall, the people here are awesome and super fun to work with,” Julia says.

Despite Jenkintown’s size, Jenkintown Fire Department provides mutual aid to both Abington and Cheltenham Townships for sizable emergencies. The department is also home to many firefighters who started their volunteer journey as junior firefighters, and have found it hard to leave.

“There is nothing like volunteer firefighting—the thrill and the reward of doing something valuable in the community, and the challenges you face,” says volunteer Steven Kozlowski, who initially joined as a junior member at age 14.

“Our junior firefighters are an incredible asset to the department,” says Independent Fire Company Chief, Ken Lynch. “It’s amazing to see the younger generation serve their community, and set themselves up for success later in life.”

“It’s fun and rewarding to stop what you are doing and rush to help out on a fire call. It’s the best way to volunteer in Jenkintown,” says Julia.

The Jenkintown Fire Department will visit Jenkintown High School on Wednesday, October 6 during lunch periods to answer questions from students about volunteering.

The department also welcomes individuals to join as firefighters, fire police, and contributing members. Community members are encouraged to learn more about the exciting roles available by visiting www.fightjenkintownfires.org and filling out an inquiry form.