Junior Firefighter

Our Junior Firefighter membership category provides a training program for young men and women, age 16-18 who are interested in serving their community and preparing to become active firefighters upon reaching the age of 18. There is no getting around it — membership with the Franklin Lakes Fire Department requires a significant commitment of time due to the job we are doing, and the skills needed to accomplish our mission. We want you to be clear with expectations going into this process to ensure you have the best volunteering experience possible. Our expectations are achievable and The rewards are immeasurable.

The goals of the Junior Firefighter Program are: To educate young adults in concepts and training involved in the fire service To prepare them for a future in the fire service To aid the Fire Department in all possible ways To build character in our young adults To foster our youth to become contributing members of their community To develop an appreciation for volunteerism in our youth and our community We are very focused on positive youth development and these qualities will be carried with them for their lifetime and will benefit them and their community for years to come, be it in Franklin Lakes or elsewhere. The tangible and intangible benefits and rewards of being a Franklin Lakes Volunteer Firefighter are significant. Completion of New Jersey's Firefighter 1 training program is required and prepares them for "Interior Qualified" status at age 18.

Junior Firefighters are strongly encouraged to attend weekly training drills with the department to prepare them for the many challenges presented in an emergency situation. These Drills are closely supervised by fire department training officers and fire officers. In both training sessions and actual emergency situations, the safety of our Junior Firefighters are of paramount concern to the department. As such, Junior Firefighters are closely supervised and limited in activities and duties they can participate in. Once accepted into membership, new firefighters will attend Firefighter 1 training at their earliest opportunity as authorized by the fire chief and training officer. The fire academy is conveniently located in Mahwah. Classes are either 2 nights a week or a day class which runs Monday-Friday. You will have the opportunity to decide which class schedule is better for you. Successful completion of New Jersey's Firefighter 1 training program is required and prepares them for "Interior Qualified" status.

Due to the inherent dangers of firefighting, strict rules of conduct and tight procedural standards have been established. Junior Firefighters are always expected to act maturely and are expected to read, understand, be subject to, and adhere to all rules, regulations, and standards of the Franklin Lakes Fire Department. In an actual emergency, it is essential that all firefighters act calmly and efficiently. Even with the training and supervision provided, firefighting is an inherently dangerous activity with the potential for serious injury. The fire officers will make every effort to minimize the Junior Firefighter's exposure to danger, but it is also their responsibility to avoid unsafe practices and hazardous situations for which they are not adequately prepared, trained, or equipped. The Chief Officers are available to discuss any questions that you or your Parents or Guardians may have.

Rules Regarding Junior Firefighter Response & Participation Junior Firefighters are not allowed to respond to any emergency incident on their designated school days between the hours of 7:00 AM until the time that the regular school day ends. Junior Firefighters may not respond to an emergency incident, be at an incident scene or be on the fire company property or in our firehouses after 11:00 pm on a school night. Junior Firefighters may respond 24 hours a day when there is no school the following day (weekends, holidays, vacation breaks). Applicant and Parent(s) or Guardian(s) shall be present at all meetings concerning the Junior Firefighter's membership.

Steps to Becoming a Junior Firefighter APPLICANTS: Applicants must be age 16-18 and of sound body and mind to apply Applicants must be enrolled in high school or a GED program Complete our online inquiry form and a fire department representative will follow up with you to discuss expectations and step you through our recruitment process Applicants must complete a New Jersey State and Fire Department application that can be obtained from the Clerk's Office at Borough Hall: Applicants must have written consent from one or both parents or legal guardian(s). The applicant must schedule and pay for a medical physical performed by a medical professional who provides proof of physical fitness and medical clearance to perform the duties of a Firefighter with a doctor's signature on the application. The criteria for the medical physical are outlined on the New Jersey State Firefighter application The state and fire department applications must be endorsed by a Notary Public and turned into the fire department Upon completion of all required forms and with the recommendation of the fire chief, applicant must be appointed by the borough council at a regular meeting. After the appointment by the borough council, the new Junior Firefighter will be introduced to the fire company at the next regular monthly meeting CANDIDATES: Upon receipt of all required forms by the fire department, our officers will: Review the application Schedule and conduct an introductory meeting with the candidate and their parent(s) or guardian(s) Candidates must be appointed to membership by the borough council at a regular meeting, contingent upon: Accurate completion of all required forms Written recommendation letter from the fire chief RECRUITS: Following appointment by the borough council, the new Junior Firefighter member will be introduced to the fire company and sworn in at the next regular monthly meeting Upon acceptance into membership, the new recruit will be: Designated as a Junior Firefighter Member Fitted for PPE-Personal Protective Gear (Turnout Gear) Provided with a copy of the department's SOGs-Standard Operating Guidelines Provided with a Probationary Member Task Book Considered a riding member and allowed to respond on calls and participate in drills