2013 National Junior Firefighter Program Award Winners Announced

March 11, 2013

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has named the recipients of the Junior Firefighter Program of the Year and Junior Firefighter of the Year awards. Outstanding junior firefighters and programs from across the country were nominated for this year’s awards, which were made possible through the support of Tyco International. The awards will be presented during a special banquet at the NVFC’s spring meeting on May 10 in Alexandria, VA.

Award recipients receive a trip to Alexandria to attend the award ceremony, a personalized award, and complimentary one-year membership in the NVFC. The Junior Firefighter of the Year will receive a $1,000 training/education stipend and the Junior Firefighter Program of the Year will receive a $500 grant for their program.

Learn more about all of the NVFC’s awards at www.nvfc.org/about-us/awards/. Stay tuned to the National Junior Firefighter Program web site and Junior Firefighter E-news for additional information about each award winner as well as photos from the awards banquet.

The recipients of the 2013 awards are:

Andrew Krahm
NVFC Junior Firefighter of the Year

Andrew Krahm had joined a nearby fire department's junior firefighter program a few years ago when he decided that his home department, Rockville Centre (NY) Fire Department, needed its own program. After countless hours drafting bylaws and presenting them to fire department and community officials, he made the program a reality in fall 2011. Krahm was soon elected the first Captain of the program, a role he still holds. As Captain he organizes monthly meetings and trainings, coaches other members, and serves as liaison with parents, advisors, and the department.

After Hurricane Sandy, as the national spotlight dimmed and local relief efforts dwindled, Krahm worked with area departments to organize a pancake fundraiser to benefit a hard-hit local fire department. In addition to initiating the event, he also went door-to-door to sell tickets. One of his primary goals is promoting volunteerism and helping his community.

Arcadia Volunteer Fire Company
NVFC Junior Firefighter Program of the Year

The Arcadia (MD) Volunteer Fire Company junior firefighter program was established in 2004. Since then, over 50 junior firefighters have graduated from the program, with 90 percent going on to become firefighters at local departments. Junior firefighters complete extensive training, including certification in CPR, blood borne pathogens, first aid, and babysitting. They have also partnered with other local programs to train and learn about vehicle extrication, aerial operations, water supply, and SCBA. Many of the program's members increase their training by attending weeklong summer training camps.

The department, including the junior firefighters, also participates in community events, such as a holiday "Adopt a Family" event that gives toys and food to underprivileged families. The juniors contribute to department fundraising efforts throughout the year and raise enough funds to support their own program. In 2012, in honor of the fire company's 100th anniversary, the Arcadia juniors planned and staffed a celebration and parade. Arcadia Volunteer Fire Company's junior firefighter program is committed to safe and effective training and instilling a spirit of community service in future firefighters.

Award Sponsors

About the National Volunteer Fire Council
The NVFC is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides invaluable tools, resources, programs, and advocacy for first responders across the nation. Learn more at www.nvfc.org.

About Tyco
Tyco is the world’s largest pure-play fire protection and security company. Tyco provides more than three million customers around the globe with the latest fire protection and security products and services. A company with $10+ billion in revenue, Tyco has more than 70,000 employees in more than 1,000 locations across 50 countries serving various end markets, including commercial, institutional, governmental, retail, industrial, energy, residential and small business.