SWGFD offers skills, career preparedness for volunteers ages 16-17

Greensburg-Salem High School senior Linda Kardell dreams of becoming a state trooper after graduation. At 17, she's already gaining valuable skills and experience that will benefit her future career through her volunteer work at the Southwest Greensburg Fire Department.

"Volunteering is 100% beneficial to me in becoming a state trooper," said Kardell. "It's all related to emergency response and knowing what to do in those situations. That's what I want to stick with for the rest of my life."

Southwest Greensburg offers students aged 16 or 17 unique opportunities to gain practical training and experience in firefighting, develop skills for their future careers, and become part of a supportive community of volunteer firefighters.

Joining Southwest Greensburg a year and a half ago, Kardell initially followed in her uncle's footsteps, but her dedication has grown into a genuine passion. "I ended up falling in love with it," she said.

Non-adult firefighters at Southwest Greensburg play a vital role, assisting with fire calls, positioning ladders, running hoses, and supporting firefighters at the station — with all training and gear provided at no cost.

For Kardell, one of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering is the adrenaline rush of emergency situations.

"You never know what to expect," she says, "but knowing that you're helping the community makes you feel great."

Eighteen-year-old CJ Nestor shares Kardell's desire to serve the community with aspirations of being a career firefighter. Like Kardell, he volunteers at Southwest Greensburg Fire Department, having joined in July after initially starting with the Mount Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department.

"It's a fantastic opportunity to get out of your house and see what the community is really about," said Nestor. "Even being at Southwest, I have learned so much more about the community and how it operates, and I love it."

Nestor and Kardell both attend the Protective Services program at Central Westmoreland Career & Technology Center, where firefighting training is offered. Nestor said his experience not only inspired him to become a volunteer firefighter but has also helped him mature quickly.

"The adult experiences you have as a volunteer firefighter prepare you well," he said. "At Southwest, you're shown value and respect, and the experienced volunteers are always willing to guide you and help you grow."

Volunteering at Southwest Greensburg enables teenagers to fulfill high school graduation requirements, enhance college or job applications, and develop confidence, self-esteem, and communication skills while building lifelong friendships. The department provides comprehensive training in various aspects of fire response, led by knowledgeable and dedicated volunteers.

"I've been lucky enough to have great mentors at Southwest Greensburg," said Nestor. "They've taught me a lot and are the reason I keep coming back."

Get Involved Today!

Community members interested in learning more about the Southwest Greensburg Fire Department and its volunteer opportunities can visit www.SWGreensburgFirefighter.org. There, they can complete an inquiry form and begin the application process.