The International Association of Fire Chiefs Volunteer & Combination Officers Section is offering it Silver Ribbon Report, “Opening New Doors: Guidelines and Best Practices for a Successful Youth Fire Service Program,” as a free PDF download. The fifth in the series of Ribbon Reports, “Opening New Doors” is a comprehensive best-practices document on mentoring youth in the fire and emergency service.

The report balances non-prescriptive model practices and recommended guidelines with a core emphasis on the need to understand and adhere to current local and state laws — which vary widely — as well as with federal regulations.

The report is designed to help fire departments avoid potential pitfalls and provides a step-by-step guide for initiating a youth program. For those with a program in place, the document offers an opportunity to review the national-level guidance to ensure all critical elements are covered. The report provides recommended practices and sample documents, along with an overview of administrative, legal, recruitment/ retention and marketing, safety, and education and training issues.

Fire departments may access and download the document at www.vcos.org or www.iafc.org/downloads.