A group of junior firefighters was put to the test Saturday as part of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York’s (FASNY) Youth in the Fire Service Day. They spent the day going through drills involving forced entries, searches, and hose relays.
Many of the teens grew up around people in fire departments, and are hoping to follow in their footsteps.
“Help other people and go to their place on their worst day, and that’s why they call you and that’s what you’re here for,” Henry said.
“I want to help people. And like, I want to be able to save people and like have that power and role,” said Catherine Northup, a junior firefighter.
Problem is, there are not enough people like Henry and Catherine.
That’s why the FASNY is traveling the state for the first time, training teens and networking with different cities.
“The average age of police, fire, or EMS and emergency management is getting older and we need to bring younger people in,” said Richard Silvaroli, a coach for the FASNY Youth Program.