2007 Junior Firefighter Training Academy

Everyone Goes Home

           

 

 

    During the week of July 29th through August 4th, 2007, the Franklin County Fire Chiefs’ Association held their first Junior Firefighter Training Academy (Camp) at the Franklin County Public Safety Training Center. There were 30 participants, ranging from age 14 to 17 years old. There were 24 males and 6 females coming from 10 departments within Franklin County. The main objectives of the camp were: Retention of membership, Education, Safety, Professionalism, Teamwork and Accountability.

Opening ceremonies were held on Sunday evening but the scheduled guest speaker, Washington DC’s Fire Chief Dennis Rubin was unable to make the event due to a pigeon problem in the metro system. So, Chief Emeritus Crawford Weistling filled in with a great introduction to the history of not only the fire service but the Fire Chiefs’ organization. Then on Monday morning, Chief Weistling gave a presentation on “Everyone Goes Home”, which helped to open the participants eyes to what is killing so many firefighters and ways to prevent them. Chief Rubin was able to come up on Monday evening and present an excellent seminar for the Juniors.  Another guest speaker was Deputy Chief Tony Papoutsis of Georgia, who presented a seminar on the importance of education and the value it has on their career choices.

Along with the guest speakers, a presentation was done on the legal requirements for Junior Firefighters within in Pennsylvania. Though out the week, several local individuals gave instruction on various skills limited to what Junior Firefighters are allowed to do by law, which included: Hose, Ladders, Vehicle Rescue, Fire Extinguishers, Ropes, SCBA, and First Aid-CPR.

There were field trips included during the week. On Wednesday, after being given a tour of the State Fire Academy by Commissioner Mann and Pat Pauly, they got to sit down and eat lunch with the State Fire Commissioner. Then it was off to the State Fire Museum in Harrisburg, where Jim Derstine arranged for a wonderful tour. On Friday, it was off to the National Fire Academy. The first event they attended was the graduation ceremonies for several classes concluding at the Academy. It was an excellent ceremony and the participants where exposed to a wonderful demonstration of what dedication and hard work can provide. Then after listening to host Ron Face of the USFA and Doctor Keefer of the NFA, the participants were provided an excellent meal at the Academy dining hall. A special treat to several of them, was the fact they were within 100 feet of the helicopters that fly with the President of the United States for protection. The visit was concluded with a visit to O’Leary’s, where they were able to purchase souvenirs.

One of the biggest cost savings were that we didn’t have to purchase any meals. All breakfasts were provided by McDonald’s of Franklin County-Delamor Enterprises; Lunches were provided by Sheetz’s stores, Pizza Hut, Interstate Truck Equipment, and Subway; Dinners were provided by local fire departments – Rescue Hose-Greencastle, Franklin Fire Dept, Fayetteville FD, Marion FD, Pleasant Hall FD. Another benefit they received was being able to tour the firehouses when they finished their meals. Also, a special thank you to, the Cumberland Valley Christian School, who allowed us the use of the gym for a makeshift bunkroom. The local American Red Cross chapter provided cots for sleeping on. To help with transportation, Robert Felmlee’s Bus Lines of Spring Run provided a bus for the whole week.

Of course, the participants had time to relax and have fun through out the week. One of the activities was competing in an old fashioned Bucket Brigade. Which was a nice relief, with the temperatures soaring in the 90’s and having a bus without air conditioning. Then on Friday night, Pleasant Hall FD treated them to a night of Line Dancing. However, two things that they won’t forget (hopefully) is the use an Accountability Tag System, which they had to use constantly and the second the thing was “EVERYONE ???? ????”. Yes, they had to learn how to complete the last comment with “GOES HOME” which is a very important message that all firefighters need to learn. It was our hope that these individuals could go back their respective stations and start a culture change to help reduce the number of Firefighter Deaths and Injuries.

The week was concluded on Saturday with graduation ceremonies held at the Training Center, where parents, brothers, sisters and other family members braved the hot temperatures to watch them graduate. Several local legislators gave presentations. Following the graduation ceremonies, another Bucket Brigade was held to help celebrate the event. Also, in preparation for the Franklin County Fire Chiefs’ Firemen’s competition to be held on October 6th, 2007, watch for more details forthcoming.

Before the week was over, several new relationships were formed, from one department to another that probably would not have happened if not for this camp. Plus, the participants were asking about next year. So, that helped conclude that the week was a success and plans are in the development stage for next year.

On a personal note, after being with these individuals for about 132 hours straight, I saw a change in them from the beginning to the end. It was so rewarding to have a community member at a local restaurant praise how well the group acted. I wish all of this year’s participants good luck and a safe career. For further information on this story, contact Ken North at 717-729-2302 or email ksknorth@embarqmail.com. Some pictures of the week are below

EVERYONE GOES HOME!

Of course there are a lot of people to thank for making this Academy successful. Hopefully we don't miss anyone but the following need to be recognized for their efforts for this week. On behalf of the participants and staff of the Academy, rather it be working at the Academy or behind the scene with financial assistance, cooking of meals, donating supplies, or anything to help, I thank the following.

Adams, Bill Delamor Enterprises Kelly, Chad Rescue Hose - Greencastle
Antrim Insurance Del Martin Screen Printing Kuehler, Jason Robert Felmlee Transportation
Baker, Dana Dickinson, Charles Lincoln Electronics Rotz and Stonesifer 
Baker, Kim Ebersole, Tim Linhart, John Schoonover, Betsy
Bare, Mary - USFA Elborne, Ryan Marion FD Schoonover, Donn
Buchanan Auto Park Exchange Club of Chambersburg McDonalds on Norland Ave Senator Terry Punt
Buchanan Settlements Face, Ron Meminger, Ted Shank's Lawn Equipment
Bumbaugh, Chuck Fayetteville FD Murray, Rob Sheetz Stores of Chambersburg
Cashdollar, Meredith Franklin County Air Unit Myers III, Dale Shoemaker, Jeff - Shuster's Office
Chambersburg Waste Paper Franklin FD Naugle, Eric Silverstrim, TJ
Chief Crawford Wiestling Furry, Jeff North, Katelyn Singhas, Wayne
Chief Dennis Rubin Furry, Sue North, Sue Straley Sr., Robert
Cluggy's Amusements Gabler Trucking Open Door Church Strickler's Insurance
Commissioner Cheryl Plummer Gateway Gallerys Orrstown Bank Subway (LWW)
Commissioner Warren Elliott Greenlaw, Bill Papoutsis, Tony Tash, Denny
ComPros, Inc Greenlaw, Cathy Pizza-Hut (LWE) Thomas, Clyde
Corwell, Shawn Hartzok Insurance Pleasant Hall FD Trace, Mark
Cramer, Andy Himes, Stevie PSFA USFA
Cumberland Valley Christian School Horst, Vince R. Clem Malot USFA Deputy Superintendent Kiefer
Cutchall, Jeff Interstate Truck Equipment Rebok, Jeremy Wenger & Myers Insurance
Dave's Truck Repair Jones' Fire Extinguishers Reichenbach, Scott Williams, Steve
Defenderfer, Brittany Just Plastics Rep. Rob Kauffman Wolfe, Larry

OF COURSE THE PARENTS FOR ALLOWING THEM TO ATTEND 

Also, it is with hesitation that we try to list all that assisted because with this big of a project, someone could have been missed. However, we need to express our gratitude to those that helped in any way to make the Academy a success. So, if you were missed, we apologize and do thank you.