Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The Presque Isle Fire Department is looking for interested individuals to take part in its Junior Firefighter training program.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
JUNIOR FIREFIGHTER PROGRAM WINS AWARD — The Presque Isle Fire Department Junior Firefighter Program received the Best Practice Award from the Maine Fire Protection Commission. Here, Presque Isle City Council Chairman Ed Nickerson presents the award during the May session of City Council to Grant Spinney, director of the PIFD program, and PIFD Chief Darrell White.
“This marks the second year we’ve offered the program to students from communities other than Presque Isle. Last year was the first year we accepted participants from other departments in addition to our own. It was such a huge success, we decided to keep the course open to all who are interested,” said Grant Spinney, a firefighter with the PIFD and director of the program. “Last year was new to all other towns and was quite successful. Of the 21 who started the program, 19 graduated last fall.”
Spinney said the program, now known as the Aroostook County Fire Attack School, is open to individuals between the ages of 15-20. Application deadline is June 10 and applications can be obtained at the PIFD, located on North St. in Presque Isle.
Last year’s program gained state recognition recently, when the department received the Best Practice Award.
“The PIFD received the Best Practice Award for the Junior Firefighter Program from the Maine Fire Protection Commission during the Blaine House Conference in Bangor earlier this year, recognizing the department for the program’s implementation. During the May session of City Council, the award was presented to us by Council Chairman Ed Nickerson,” said Spinney.
Students from the following communities are welcome to participate: Blaine, Bridgewater, Mars Hill, Easton, Fort Fairfield, Ashland, Portage, Limestone, Washburn, Mapleton and Presque Isle, he said.
The program is designed to teach students what firefighting is all about, providing instruction in basic firefighting skills.
“It teaches all the basic stuff. Junior firefighters provide backup for our full-time and volunteer crews, helping with such tasks as replacing air tanks, rolling hoses and other assistance. They’re too young to actively fight fires but provide much-needed assistance in other areas, allowing crews to handle emergency situations more effectively,” said Spinney.
Spinney said the program falls under the Explorer Post with the Boy Scouts of America, for insurance purposes.
“This doesn’t cost the city a thing. We also do fund-raisers, like carwashes, to help cover any additional costs,” explained Spinney.
Spinney said this is a wonderful opportunity for youth interested in becoming a firefighter and comes with added benefits as well.
“Not only do they learn skills they can use for future employment, they mature and learn discipline is a valuable part of life. The program also teaches the value of trust and working as a team. I’ve been teaching this course for several years now and continue to have parents tell me how they see their children change, maturing into responsible young adults through participation in the program,” said Spinney.
The course begins in June and will run through September. Classes are one night a week from 6-8 p.m., with an occasional Saturday fund-raiser planned. For more information, contact 769-0881 day or evening.
Photo courtesy of Karen Gonya
Junior Firefighter training course was completed last fall, with a ceremony held at the Presque Isle Fire Department recognizing participants from various other departments in the area. Graduates of the course included, front row, from left: Tim Lawrence, Aaron McLellan, James Bradley, Matt Lajoie and Jack Footer. Middle row: Levi Terrell, Russell Delong, Kaitlin Bennett, Bryce Bridges, Marcus Belanger, Chelsea Leighton, Dylan Morgan, Ethan Kelly, Josh Faulkner, Josh Robinson and Ethan Garrison. Back row: Shane Miller, Ben Chase and Nathan Goodine.
