Core Competencies for the Junior Fire Service now Available

September 24, 2012

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has developed a comprehensive training guide for junior firefighter programs. Core Competencies for the Junior Fire Service outlines key skills junior firefighters will need as they look forward to their futures in the fire service, followed by step-by-step training drills. Find the guide and accompanying videos on the National Junior Firefighter Program web site at www.nvfc.org/juniors.

Core Competencies for the Junior Fire Service was developed by the NVFC to address the need for safe, functional, and effective training exercises for junior firefighters. The guide was created with support from NVFC Health and Safety Committee and National Junior Firefighter Program Advisory Group members. As part of the project, NVFC staff visited five fire departments nationwide to take photos and video and to document training practices. The participating departments were Cherryville (NC) Fire Department, East Norwich (NY) Fire Company No. 1, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department Stations 3 and 54, Soldier Township (KS) Fire Department, and Westhampton Beach (NY) Fire Department.

The NVFC does not advocate junior firefighters participating in operational activities, but developing safe training behavior and attitudes today lays the foundation for a healthier, safer fire service tomorrow. The training examples found in Core Competencies for the Junior Fire Service address both the hands-on and intangible skills (such as leadership and teamwork) that are vital to the future of the fire service.

View the training guide and video links on the National Junior Firefighter Program web site. For more information on developing and growing a junior firefighter program, visit www.nvfc.org/juniors.