15 attend annual Youth Firefighter Camp in Schuylkill County

Aug. 9—MAHANOY CITY — Fifteen future firefighters took three days out of their summer vacations to take the first steps in becoming volunteer members.

The group participated in the fifth Youth Firefighter Camp presented by the borough's Humane Fire Company No. 1.

William Killian III, company captain, said members designed the camp to show young men and women interested in becoming a firefighter what that decision is all about.

With a decreasing number of volunteers throughout the state, Killian said it is important to reach out and offer programs to those who may very well be the future of the volunteer fire service in Schuylkill County.

The camp also gives participants a jump on starting the required training when they reach 18, the age they can legally enter the fire service as an active member in the state.

"If we can start them at an early age, we can provide the training so when they turn 18, they're ready to go," Killian said.

The camp ran Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, featuring not only firefighting but emergency medical services as well.

Included in the training was CPR and first aid; hose line and fire ground operations; leadership and team building; self-contained breathing apparatus (air packs); personal protective equipment (or turnout gear); vehicle fires; vehicle extrication; forcible entry; search and rescue; ropes and knots; the history of the fire service and more.

During the final day of camp Wednesday, attendees had the opportunity to practice at the Schuylkill County Fire Training Academy near Frackville and experience, firsthand, what firefighters do.

Attendees flowed water through hose lines, searched a burn building and advanced hose lines while donning air packs.

Two junior firefighters attending were Ryan Examitas and Fred Gradwell, both of Shenandoah's Phoenix Fire Company.

Gradwell said this is his fifth year taking part.

"It's fun, we learn a lot and it gives us a head start to move up to becoming a firefighter," he said.

Examitas, in his fourth year at the camp, called the three days a "good experience."

"We're warming up to see what it's like to enter into the real world of firefighting," he said.

Killian said that this year, attendees hailed from Ringtown, Shenandoah, Mahanoy City and Orwigsburg, as well as Lebanon County.

"We're servicing Schuylkill County, but the surrounding areas as well," he said. "Everyone is welcome."

Killian said that the 2023 event was well represented, with some junior firefighters and others who are considering entering the volunteer fire service.

"Some are already asking how to join firehouses where they live," he said. "If it helps recruit a few new members, it's a good thing."

Contact the writer: fandruscavage@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6013