Youth programs across North America are helping to recruit future fire fighters through hands-on training and mentorship. Backed by strong support from IAFF Locals and fire department collaboration, these initiatives support recruitment and retention in the fire service.
Delta Fire Youth Academy
Cole McQueen, Delta, BC Local 1763 Executive Board Member
1. Q: When did the Delta Fire Youth Academy program begin and how did it start?
A: The Delta Fire Youth Academy program started in 2023. It was brought forward to management by Local 1763 and works collaboratively with the Delta School District, specifically through the Work Experience Program (WEX). Each year we accept applications from every high school in Delta, and only Grade 11 and 12 students are eligible. We select 16 students to participate each year.
2. Q: What does the Academy offer students in terms of hands-on experience?
A: We run them through a Basic First Aid Course and CPR-C. The students are given a basic fire fighter workout/fitness plan, and we host a functional fitness day with three separate testing days. The students partake in a five-day boot camp at our training facility. They learn and perform skills like hose deployment, PPE & SCBA use, search and rescue, ladder operations (including climbing the 100-ft aerial), catching hydrants, auto extrication, technical rescue, and extinguishing car fires. On the final day, we host a family showcase followed by graduation.
3. Q: How has the program contributed to recruitment efforts so far?
A: We have had some start some schooling to pursue this, but our oldest graduates would just be turning 20 this year. We are excited for the day we hire our first graduate.
4. Q: Can you share a few success stories?
A: Over the past three years, a graduate from our Youth Academy has been selected to attend a provincial firefighting program for young women run by the BCPFFA. Another success is how we maintain mentorship after the Academy. We invite grads to volunteer with our Delta Firefighters Charitable Society, provide career guidance, station tours, and help them stay engaged. It gives them real volunteer experience while helping us run our community events more effectively. It’s a win-win.
5. Q: What role have the Local and fire department leadership played in making this happen?
A: When the Local first brought this idea to department leadership, there was immediate buy-in. The Local provided the layout, course outline, materials, and created a union committee. We canvassed other Locals for guidance. Leadership handled liability and facility logistics. The first year, the Local provided instructors on a volunteer basis. Since then, leadership added paid positions, and now we’ve built a well-oiled machine with 100% buy-in from both sides.
Irondequoit Fire Department Explorer Post 286
Irondequoit, NY Local 4176 Lt. Mike Nicosia
1. Q: What’s the history of Explorer Post 286 and how did it get started?
A: I believe the post was originally formed in June 1966 as the Ridge Culver Fire Department Explorer Post 286 with six members, then grew to 22 members by the end of 1967. The main focus of the post was to introduce young men and women to a career in firefighting. The advisors would instruct them on basic firefighting skills, such as hose operation, self-contained breathing apparatus operation and use, ladder training, automobile extrication, and fire scene simulation.
2. Q: What do Explorers learn and how do they develop leadership?
A: They learn how to organize and run their own post by electing officers, running fundraisers, and purchasing their own equipment to run their post. This would enable the members to learn how to work with others and develop leadership skills.
4. Q: Where have your former Explorers ended up?
A: There is a long list of departments where our former explorers have moved on to get jobs, including Ridge Culver Fire District and the City of Rochester Fire Department.
5. Q: How has department leadership supported the program’s success?
A: The Fire Chief’s office wants to see this program succeed, so he has been generous enough to create a Lead Explorer Advisor position to manage the post. He also allows two fire fighters to come in on overtime every week to run drills for the kids. Our post also created a 12-week internship program in partnership with a local community college to provide a few college credits as well as a unique experience for the explorer outside of normal drills and requirements.
