Youth Group of the Year

 

The East Norwich Junior Firefighter Program was started in 1994 to help recruit new firefighters into the East Norwich Volunteer Fire Company #1.

Over the past 29 years, the program has expanded its focus by leaps and bounds. Participants, who range in age from 12-17, receive comprehensive training in an array of fire service skills. This includes learning how to don personal protective equipment, use self-contained breathing apparatus, maintain tools needed to fight fires, and conduct rescues. They also receive intensive instruction on basic first aid, techniques for executing search and rescue, forcible entry, ventilation, emergency evacuation, and automobile extractions.

Aside from developing hands-on competency, East Norwich Juniors expand their firematic knowledge by attending FASNY Youth Days in Albany and Long Island, and traveling to Concord, N.H. to attend firefighting camps for girls. Many are also active in the Nassau County Junior Firefighters Association (NCJFA), an organization made up of 40+ Junior Firefighter/Explorer organizations from throughout Nassau County. Through NCJFA membership they attend events and quarterly meetings, as well as take part in Camp Fahrenheit 516, a yearly fire program held the last week in July at the Nassau County Fire Service Academy. 

“Training at the Nassau County Fire Service Academy with the instructors is something our members look forward to every year,” said Wayne Placella, chief, Norwich Volunteer Fire Company. “They receive hands-on training with the instructors and receive valuable training and feedback. Most of them would love the opportunity to attend every year. It is such an amazing experience for them!”

Giving back — and helping less fortunate members of their community — remains a core aspect  of the highly respected program. Participants run blood drives, engage in Relay for Life events, and fundraise for sick firefighters. They also set up fingerprinting events at local schools for children, and invite the community into their firehouse to learn about car seat safety, bicycle helmet safety, and smoke detectors.

East Norwich Juniors enjoy sharing their knowledge not only with their peers, but also juniors across the Atlantic. The program’s young men and women are currently taking part in an international exchange program between Nassau County and Germany. Through the initiative 13 juniors and advisors visited the US and participated in a Fire Camp, where they did in-house training with different junior departments, including East Norwich. 

The East Norwich Junior Firefighter Program is an invaluable stepping stone for Long Island youth. For those considering the fire service, it gives them the practical firefighting and safety skills they need to become firefighters, officers, and chiefs. Others gain the leadership, confidence, and relationship skills they need to excel in the military or any career path of their choosing. 

Past Award Recipients

2022	Bay Shore-Brightwaters Rescue Ambulance Youth Squad
2020	Westhampton Beach Junior Fire Department
2019	Great Neck Alert Junior Firefighters
2018	Hicksville Fire Department Juniors
2017	Mastic Fire Department Explorer Post No. 512
2016	Mineola Junior Fire Department
2015	Moyers Corners Fire Department Explorer Post No. 209
2014	Lake Carmel Fire Department Explorer Post No. 2041
2013	Port Chester Fire Department Explorer Post No. 700
2012	Fairville Volunteer Fire Department Explorer Post #751