Junior Firefighter Program
Ages 14–17 — Learn, Serve, and Grow
Baldwin Fire Rescue’s Junior Firefighter Program gives teenagers the opportunity to learn real firefighting skills, serve their community, and prepare for a future in emergency services — all while developing character, responsibility, and teamwork. If you’re 14–17 years old and want to make a difference, this program is for you.
What Is the Junior Firefighter Program?
The Junior Firefighter Program is a structured training and development program for teenagers who want to learn about fire service and serve their community. Junior members train alongside adult firefighters under close supervision, gaining hands-on experience that prepares them to transition to full active membership at age 18.
Learn
Age-appropriate firefighting skills, emergency response, and life-saving techniques through structured training.
Serve
Contribute to your community through fire prevention activities, public education, and support roles at the station and on scene.
Grow
Develop leadership, responsibility, teamwork, and character that will benefit you throughout life.
Prepare
Get ready to transition to full firefighter status at age 18 with experience and training already under your belt.
Safety First: Age-Appropriate Activities
Pennsylvania Law & Department Policy
Pennsylvania law and department policy restrict certain activities for junior firefighters to ensure their safety. We take youth safety extremely seriously.
Junior firefighters DO NOT engage in interior structural firefighting or enter hazardous environments until age 18.
What Junior Firefighters DO
- Attend weekly training sessions
- Learn firefighting equipment and procedures
- Practice with hoses and tools (training environments)
- Study fire science and emergency response
- Assist with apparatus maintenance and care
- Help with public education events
- Assist with station duties and upkeep
- Attend meetings and social events
- Respond to certain calls in support roles
- Obtain CPR and First Aid certifications
- Learn SCBA use in controlled training
- Participate in community outreach
What Junior Firefighters DO NOT Do
- Interior structural firefighting
- Enter burning buildings
- Work in IDLH atmospheres
- Drive or operate fire apparatus
- Use power tools on active scenes
- Engage in hazardous materials response
- Perform high-risk rescue operations
- Work on roofs during firefighting
- Operate on highways during emergencies
- Any activity deemed unsafe for minors
Transition at 18: On their 18th birthday, junior firefighters who have completed the required training can transition to full active membership with approval from the department.
Training & Activities
Fire Science Education
- Fire behavior and chemistry
- Building construction
- Fire prevention principles
- Hazardous materials awareness
- Emergency medical concepts
Hands-On Skills
- Hose deployment and operations
- Ladder raising and climbing
- Knot tying and rope work
- Tool identification and use
- Equipment maintenance
Physical Fitness
- Strength and endurance training
- Firefighter fitness standards
- Team physical challenges
- Healthy lifestyle education
Leadership Development
- Teamwork and communication
- Responsibility and accountability
- Decision-making skills
- Mentoring younger juniors
Special Activities & Opportunities
Competitions — Participate in regional junior firefighter competitions and muster events
Fire Camp — Attend specialized youth fire camps and training programs
Public Education — Help teach fire safety to younger children at schools
Community Events — Represent the department at parades, open houses, and fundraisers
Certifications — Earn CPR, First Aid, and age-appropriate fire certifications at no cost
Station Life — Learn apparatus care, equipment maintenance, and day-to-day station operations
Benefits of Junior Membership
Free Training & Equipment
Receive protective equipment, uniforms, and professional training at no cost — thousands of dollars in value, all provided free of charge.
Resume & College Applications
Junior firefighter experience stands out on college applications and job resumes. It demonstrates commitment, leadership, and community service.
Scholarship Opportunities
Access fire service scholarships and recognition programs. Many organizations specifically support junior firefighters pursuing higher education.
Mentorship
Learn from experienced firefighters who serve as role models and mentors, guiding your personal and professional development.
Career Preparation
Get a head start if you’re considering fire service, emergency management, law enforcement, or healthcare careers.
Smooth Transition at 18
Turn 18 with training complete and department knowledge in hand — ready to immediately become a full active firefighter.
For Parents: What to Expect
Parental Requirements
- Sign application and consent forms
- Support attendance at training and events
- Provide transportation to and from activities
- Attend orientation meeting for parents
- Stay engaged with your child’s involvement
- Communicate with junior advisors as needed
Safety Assurance
- All activities supervised by trained adult advisors
- Strict adherence to age-appropriate activity restrictions under Pennsylvania law
- Comprehensive safety protocols and training procedures
- Background checks required for all adult members
- Workers’ compensation coverage for injuries
- Open communication with parents about all activities
How to Join
Eligibility Requirements
Age: 14–17 years old
Residency: Live in or near Baldwin Borough
Parental Consent: Parent/guardian signature required
Academic Standing: Maintain satisfactory grades
Physical: Pass medical examination
Commitment: Dedication to training & activities
Application Process
Express Interest — Parent and teen contact us together by phone or email
Visit a Station — Come with your parent/guardian to meet members and see the facilities
Complete Application — Parent signature required on all forms
Interview — Meet with the membership committee (teen and parent together)
Background Check & Physical — Required clearances and medical exam
Membership Vote — Attend a monthly meeting for the department vote
Gear Up — Receive your gear and begin as a probationary junior member
Full Junior Member — Complete probation and become a full junior firefighter
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it cost anything to join?
No. All training, equipment, and certifications are provided free of charge.
Will my child go into burning buildings?
Absolutely not. Pennsylvania law prohibits junior firefighters from interior structural firefighting, IDLH atmospheres, and all other high-risk activities. They train in controlled environments and serve in support roles only.
How much time does it take?
Junior members attend regular training sessions (typically 2–3 hours) and monthly meetings. Additional events like community activities and competitions are optional. School always comes first.
What happens when my child turns 18?
Junior members who have completed the required training can transition directly to full active firefighter membership. They’ll already have years of experience and training under their belt.
Do I need to live in Baldwin Borough?
You should live in or near Baldwin Borough. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Can my child try it out before committing?
Yes! We encourage families to visit a station, meet members, and see a training night before applying. Call us to set up a visit.
Ready to Get Started?
Parents and teens — call together to schedule a station visit. Come see what we’re all about.
825 Streets Run Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236-2222