The Virgin Islands Junior Firefighters Corp was started 30 years ago to groom youngsters for a career in firefighting, but it goes beyond that. The program teaches discipline, leadership, respect and basic life skills while having fun.
Lt. Greg Williams, St. Croix program coordinator and V.I. fire inspector, said the organization provides training for the next generation of firefighters. The program was set up to train young men and women to meet recruitment goals and enhance the Fire Services’ employment hiring pool.
After completing the program, students take the firefighters’ entrance exam and, if they pass, they are given first priority in being hired as a firefighter. Carlos Valle, the first director of the group, modeled the program after one he saw in Puerto Rico.
“When these kids come out of the program, they are ready for fire service,” Williams says.
The boys and girls, ages 9 to 18, learn CPR, basic first aid, fire prevention, hose handling, hydrant operation, rescue and more.
“We even teach the kids how to sew on buttons and how to keep uniforms looking neat,” Williams says. “And we teach them how to cook too.” Saturday they made banana fritters, he said.
There are six firefighters, all different ranks, who are volunteer program instructors.
“We also mentor kids and are positive role models, teaching them responsibility and leadership,” Williams says. “But we keep things fun and exciting. The kids have so much fun they don’t want to go home.”
He said the kids all get along very well and become friends.
Last year the children, instructors and chaperons went on a camping trip to Cinnamon Bay on St. John. Williams said they are hoping to do yearly camping even at the Boy Scout camp on St. Croix. They get the youths involved in all kinds of sports and community service projects. The instructors assist them with whatever school work needs attention. The students are expected to maintain a high standing in school too.
The students do community service projects such as beach clean up and helping senior citizens with yard work and maintenance. Williams said at Thanksgiving the students will give thanks to the V.I. Police Department by cleaning police cars. They are planning on preparing and serving mothers a luncheon for Mother’s Day and they are doing a barbecue for Father’s Day.
The corp is looking for volunteers to come in and offer instruction and information on all sorts jobs and careers. The program is funded by the V.I. Legislature and donations. The students and parents take part in fundraising with bake sales and car washes. They have one 15-passenger van that they use for field trips, but Williams said he wishes someone would be kind enough to donate two more.
There are currently 40 students in the corp, which meets every Saturday from10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the old fire services office near the Kingshill Cemetery.
“There are a lot of benefits for the children in the program where they have fun and the chance to try new things and experience great things,” Williams says.
Further information about the corp can be obtained by calling V.I. Fire Services at 773-8050 or 692-970.
