Teens benefit from Fire and Rescue volunteer experience

School is officially out for the summer but education continues at area volunteer fire and rescue stations for youth ages 14 and up. As a junior member or cadet, teens have the opportunity to experience being a part of a team whose mission it is to serve their neighbors when the need arises.

Three area teens have translated their volunteer experience as part of Warren County Fire and Rescue into significant steps toward their future goals. Ashley Foster, a rising senior at Skyline High School, has recently passed the National Registry Emergency Medical Technician B certification, while Morgan Coons, a recent graduate of Warren County High School, and Seth Mills, another rising senior at Skyline High School, are ready to sit for their exams in a few weeks.

The timing of their achievements during high school is excellent because they now have the skills to find employment after graduation, whether they pursue their post-secondary education or start their emergency response careers. The 2016 Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections estimate that by the year 2026, fire and rescue jobs may grow by 219,936 nationally, and another 509,500 nurses and other selected medical technicians will be needed in the labor force over that same period. (Source: US Department of Labor)

Recruitment and Retention Coordinator Brenda Diehl noted, “Virtually every career Firefighter/EMT in Warren County began as a volunteer. It is also quite common for nursing students and other medical personnel to launch their career as volunteer emergency responders with fire and rescue departments.” Given the amount of intelligence, time and commitment it takes to achieve this certification, Foster, Coons and Mills have demonstrated they are well on their way to success.

Teens who are interested in gaining important practical experience and education this summer through volunteering with Warren County Fire and Rescue may start the application process by visiting warrencountyfire.com/join-us, or call Recruitment and Retention at (540) 636-3830.