AboutDominick G. Kasmauskas Expertise Former NFPA Fire Service Section, Director, Executive Board. NJ Certified Firefighter, Fire Instructor, Fire Inspector, Haz Mat Instructor. Volunteer Firefighter since 1974, Capt. Lieut. and President. National Fire Academy Fire Officer II certified. Presently a Regional Manager for the Natl Fire Sprinkler Assn and a certified fire protection specialist and a certified code enforcement official in NY State.
Experience Various awards and citations.
My oddest "call" was at my company picnic, in a remote area, when someone at the picnic had heart failure. While trying to perform CPR I was also giving directions to ALS and BLS to get to the scene.
Every alarm is an accomplishment.
Question Hello, I am interested in becoming a volunteer junior (possibly going beyond that someday)firefighter and just wanted to ask a few questions about it.
What does a junior firefighter do? Does he do the work that the normal firemen do? I believe there is a physical training for it, and I am not the strongest of guys. So is that going to be a problem? Also how long once you sign up as a volunteer do you have to stay? Is it something I could try for a summer and then quit? Or is it a longer term thing.
Thank you in advance
Answer Thomas~
Congratulations on taking part of the most noble of careers! I started in the Junior Auxiliary in NJ on Sept 1974 and have NEVER regretted a single day. Was a volunteer firefighter to 2007. Wouldn't trade it for anything, including 4 years in the US Army.
Some states have two tiered levels of Juniors; 14 & 15 year old and 16 & 17 year old.
14, 15 will perform class training and barely touch any equipment in training. On fire scenes, you will help in non-hazardous duties.
16, 17 can train with work with certain tools, help clean more equipment, and possibly aid in support areas of fire scenes.
How long your commitment is dependant on policies either by he department, town, county, or state.
My department in NJ would not require a resignation if someone went to college or the military. The member would not have to make a resignation until not returning after a reasonable time since graduation or discharge.
Physical strength and "being in shape" are two different things. My suggestion is to join, do your best, follow orders (within reason), and take any "ribbing" as a sign they love you.
I hope this helps and feel free to contact me with any further concerns.
