About our Junior Program:

The Junior Firefighter Program was instituted by Southwest Mercer Fire Department (SWMFD) as a training program for young men and women, incoming freshmen through graduation, interested in serving their community and preparing to become active firefighters upon reaching the age of 18. At age 18, the Junior Firefighter member is eligible to apply to become a full member of the Southwest Mercer Fire District after they have received their Diploma or GED. As a Junior Firefighter, members serve in a support role for the senior firefighters at actual emergencies as a supplement to a formal training program. The Junior Firefighter Members attend monthly training drills with the full department. A SWMFD Junior Advisors will serve as the Junior Firefighter Training Officer/s, and they are the primary contact person for the Junior Firefighter Program. Those selected are expected to act in a mature manner and commit to a demanding, long-term program. In both training sessions and actual emergency situations, the safety of the Junior Firefighter Program is of paramount concern to the Department. As such, the activities of the Junior Fire Team Members are limited in scope and the fire officers closely supervise them. The Junior Firefighter Members quickly become an integral part of the firefighting team during emergencies, serving in such important capacities as establishing a water supply, supplying equipment for interior firefighters, changing air packs, manning exterior hose lines. It should be understood, however, that despite the training and supervision provided, firefighting is a dangerous activity and serious injury is a possibility. The fire officers will make every effort to minimize the Junior Firefighter Members’ exposure to danger. It is also the responsibility of a Junior Firefighter to avoid known hazardous situations. Due to the inherent dangers of firefighting, strict rules of conduct and tight procedural standards have been established. In an actual emergency, it is essential that all firefighters, including Junior Firefighter Members, act in a calm and efficient manner. The Junior Firefighter Members are expected to attend training drills to be prepared for the many challenges presented in an emergency situation. The SWMFD fire and administrative officers are available to discuss any questions.