FASNY’s fourth annual Youth Day

ONONDAGA COUNTY, N.Y. — Young firefighters got the chance to learn through hands-on experience at the fourth annual Youth Day event hosted by the New York State Firemen’s Association.

As part of the association’s 140th convention, they offered eight different stations to train about 70 young firefighters from across the state Thursday. Exercises included hands-on roof ventilation tactics, second floor window bailout and standpipe operations.

Thursday’s event is just one example of the advantages of becoming a firefighter.

“They can grow and become part of their community service organization and with the new grant that FASNY put out, the SAFER grant, it gives these kids the opportunity to go to college and earn good grades and get that reimbursed through the grant process,” said Chris DePew, Vice Chair FASNY’s Youth and Fire Service Committee.

Youth Day is one of many activities taking place during this week’s convention, which brings together volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel from across the state.