The National Volunteer Fire Council and fire truck and rescue vehicle maker Spartan Motors have partnered to create and promote the first national Junior Firefighter Program aimed at supporting existing volunteer departments by fostering relationships and motivating youth to ultimately become members of the emergency services.

“The need for well-trained and highly-motivated volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel throughout America’s communities has never been greater,” said Philip C. Stittleburg, chairman of the NVFC. “Over 70% of the firefighters who protect our nation are volunteers. Yet, statistics show that while fire department call volume is steadily increasing, the number of volunteers is decreasing.”

According to the NVFC, the causes for the downward trend in volunteers are varied, including increasing time demands on two-income families, more rigorous training standards, and limited advocacy for volunteering among youth. Retention and recruitment of new members has been a challenge for many departments.

Benefits of junior firefighter programs include:

• Allowing youth to gain insight and interest in becoming long-term members of the emergency services.
• Increasing awareness among youth about volunteering and supporting the fire and emergency services.
• Providing departments with additional help in accomplishing non-firefighting or non-emergency tasks.
• Leadership development for America’s youth, who are tomorrow’s leaders.
• Educating parents and mentors on the importance of encouraging volunteerism.

More details about the program will be announced in the coming months. Additional information is available at www.nvfc.org and www.spartanmotors.com