The coalition of fire companies, named the Capital Region Council of Governments (CapCOG), held a press conference on Wednesday at HACC announcing the “100-Teens-to-Lifesavers Challenge,” which will allow local fire departments to prepare 17-year-olds with previously restricted live-burn training.
Live-burn and interior firefighting training for volunteer firefighters under 18 was prohibited until Act 155 was signed into law in January 2023. Now, 17-year-old junior firefighters will need the permission of their parents and fire chief before participating in any live-burn training.
The new program’s goal is to boost volunteer firefighter numbers in Pennsylvania — which have fallen from 360,000 in 1970 to fewer than 37,000 in 2023 — by November 2025 and have firefighters ready to work full-time once they are 18 years old.
“Volunteer fire departments in Pennsylvania are in crisis. They need your help,” said Pennsylvania Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook. “Training today can open doors and bring life skills such as teamwork, collaboration and creative thinking for all future careers.”
The “100-Teens-to-Lifesavers Challenge” is funded by a $2.2 million grant issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA ) in 2022. However, the program could not train participants under 18 with live burns until Act 155 was passed.
Callie Yohn, a Cumberland Valley High School student who volunteers at the New Kingstown Fire Department, said the volunteer program has taught her more than she imagined.
“With everything that I’ve learned so far being a part of this company, it’s been great. I’ve learned a lot of life skills about going through school, time management,” Yohn said. “Some of the people here we even call uncles. It’s definitely like a big family.”
Jerry Ozog, executive director of the Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute and a volunteer firefighter in Hampden Township, said many junior firefighters go on to have a career in the field.
Derek Brindle was introduced to the world of firefighting as a child while his dad worked as a firefighter in Progress. He started as a junior firefighter when he was 14 before accepting a full-time position in Maryland when he was 21.
Brindle said opening training opportunities like this to younger firefighters will help them in their careers whether they choose to stay in firefighting or not.
“I know it will be beneficial,” he said. “It’s giving them free education and building them an education level to expand on. I don’t think age, race or gender is anything as long as you are willing to put the effort into learning the new concepts.”
Fire officials at the press conference emphasized that just because this new program is aimed at 17-year-old volunteers, it does not mean you can’t help your local fire department. Many volunteer positions — including mechanics, administrative work and maintenance work — are available for people of all ages.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit CapitalRegionFirefighter.org.
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