NORTH WILDWOOD – “It is the belief of the North Wildwood Fire Department that instilling values such as the importance of community service and attracting individuals to exciting opportunities at a young age will help reinvigorate volunteerism that has been declining locally and nationally,” said Fire Chief Dominick McClain.
The Herald conversed with McClain via email Aug. 8 regarding the city’s new Junior Firefighters’ Program. It is part of North Wildwood’s plan to increase interest and numbers in its career and volunteer departments.
A situation nationwide, dwindling volunteer numbers are attributed to the economy.
Many spouses work second jobs while “sports-oriented” youths go in another direction than when young people joined the departments as their parents ran family businesses.
However, North Wildwood’s Junior Program boasts five members and, according to McClain, members train on “fire suppression, fire prevention, community risk reduction, emergency medical services, technical rescue, teamwork and leadership skills, communication skills, health and safety, physical fitness, disaster preparedness, and goal setting.”
When asked the purpose of the program, McClain replied, “The purpose…is to engage with area youth, encourage community service and civic engagement.”
Additional benefits include training “for and exposure to a variety of career paths in the fire service, emergency medical services, emergency management, and related professions.”
Providing a “positive learning environment” corresponds to role models for not only emergency skills but also life skills.
More applicants await admittance to the program, pending federal regulations and insurance requirements.
As of Aug. 9, 10 participants are allowed at this time. City officials will revisit the number based on demand, funding, staffing availability, and policies.
The program was developed to “fill a local void in formal, structured youth programs related to emergency services,” according to McClain.
Members of the public wished to “ride along” with different shifts with the firefighters and, in response, the North Wildwood Fire Department began its formal program.
Similar programs are spreading across the country as a result of the program’s success.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.
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