Those of you who come from a family of firefighters grew up understanding dedication and commitment to the fire service. Belonging to a department's shift or crew breeds loyalty through life-and-death situations. In most departments — particularly volunteers — social events further foster that tradition of the fire service family.

As the structure and scope of the fire service changes and departments increase in size and number, where will personnel come from? How will fire departments diversify to meet the needs of their communities? How will you reach people who never played with toy fire trucks nor considered becoming a firefighter?

For many years, the Boy Scouts' Explorer program was the only organized introduction to fire departments, but across the country new programs are being developed to teach young people about the opportunities in the fire and emergency services.

In Ohio, “Yo! Cleveland” was created to promote upward mobility and economic self-sufficiency through literacy, education, job training, community service and leadership for Cleveland's young adults. In one segment, the organization works with local fire departments on a 12-week internship for underprivileged teens to learn more about firefighting.

Interns participate in training programs, station duties and ride-alongs. According to Chief Stanley Martin of the Warrensville Heights (Ohio) Fire Department, “One of the kids we had in the last session did sign on to the EMT medical school because he understands the concept of teamwork and making something of themselves.”

Young women are also potential firefighters. Four years ago, Capt. Julie Harper of the Overland Park (Kan.) Fire Department attended the Women in the Fire Service conference in Atlanta. It was there that she heard about Camp Blaze, the San Francisco program created to introduce young women to the possibility of a career in firefighting. Harper decided to develop a similar program to offer young women the “same basic principles that the professional firefighters … follow each day to protect our community.”

As Harper presented the idea to her chief and the city council, neighboring Leawood Fire Department and Consolidated Fire Council #2 of Johnson County signed on to support what she had named Camp Inferno. While OPFD has an Explorer program that has brought a number of new firefighters and EMTs into the local fire departments, Camp Inferno would focus on building young women's self-confidence through team-building, physical activity and problem-solving.

After four years of hard work, Camp Inferno became a reality last month. Harper and eight crew chiefs met with the 12 participating young women and their families to review the strict rules and detail the week's schedule. They told the girls that each of them would do at least one activity that she didn't think she could do.

The details of the week will be featured in an upcoming issue of Fire Chief. Camp Inferno wasn't just about the young women; it was the joint effort and commitment of the three departments that made this week an extraordinary experience.

I had a chance to observe some of the exercises. It was exhilarating to watch each cadet hold on to a rope and confidently lean back from the top of the 4-story training tower before rappelling to the ground. The support and reassurance of the crew chiefs on each balcony as the cadets descended was amazing to watch. As each cadet planted her feet on the ground, cheers exploded from everyone.

I was honored to give the commencement address for these graduates of the first Camp Inferno. I told the cadets that I was very jealous of their experiences and the opportunities ahead. These young cadets will never look at a fire truck the same way, nor will they hear a siren and not turn their heads.

The door to the fire and emergency services profession is now open to anyone who meets the physical and mental criteria. OPFD Fire Chief Brian Dehner told the cadets and guests, “It doesn't matter if you don't become firefighters, you have learned that you can do anything you set your mind to.”

Standing before the group, Harper knew that she had done the same thing with Camp Inferno.