Our Fire and EMS agencies have junior programs that are aimed at teaching people under the age of 18 about the EMS and Fire Services. Our goal is to give the future generations the opportunity to learn about the benefits of community service, develop life saving skills that will be with them for their entire lives, and build a sense of camaraderie with other like minded people.

Juniors are often invited to participate in drills and other training opportunities. Juniors learn life saving skills alongside senior members and are often asked to help by participating as simulated victims.

Under recent changes in NYS law, Juniors can attend Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) class as long as they turn 17 before their state exam. If a Junior wants to become a Certified First Responder (which is a step below EMT), they can take that class at age 16.

Because of legal requirements, any member under the age of 18 will have to be limited in what they can do. Each agency has different restrictions and requirements based on whether they are a fire based service or strictly EMS and what their insurance policies may allow.

Generally, there are time restrictions, requirements to maintain grades in school, and limits on what types of calls or drills they can participate in. Some agencies allow Junior members at 16 years old and others at 14 years old. Please talk to the agency you are interested in to find out more details.