The Kearney Fire Department was organized in January of 1949.  The Junior Firefighter program was established in 1963 to serve two purposes; to develop and train youth in the fire service and to off set the absence of adult volunteers during the day.  Over the last 15-20 years our Junior Firefighter program has helped develop many youth into young adults that enter into the fire service in some form.

After the orientation with the department, the new junior begins the challenging task of testing over all equipment within the department.  Juniors train over each and every piece of apparatus.  Being able to identify and retrieve any piece of equipment on a moments notice is a large part of the junior’s job.  Junior Firefighters begin responding on calls once they have completed their list. 

Juniors follow strict rules and regulations.  These standards were developed by the  juniors themselves.  Each junior firefighter must maintain a 2.0 GPA and at no time is allowed to have an F in any class.  Grade checks are done several times during the year to hold each junior accountable for their obligations. Juniors must stay active in the program.  Their good attendance makes them eligible for a scholarship after graduating from High School.  The Kearney Fire Department and Junior Fire Department have established a Junior Firefighter Scholarship program that pays $250.00/year renewable for three years.

Kearney Fire is proud of our Junior Program and strives to offer them a quality program to build on for the next generation of firefighters.

The Junior Fire Department consisting of young Men and Women between the ages of 14 - 17 years old. They have their own organizational structure including Jr. Chief, Jr. Assistant Chief etc, but are under the direction of two Advisors (Captain Monty Thompson and FF/EMT-P Rodney Barnhart). The Junior Firefighters receive First Responder training, Intro to the Fire Service, as well as in house training. After the Junior Firefighter completes the training and a Checklist (performance Evaluation) the Junior may stay overnight at the Fire Station and respond on Fire and EMS calls with Senior Firefighters.

The Junior Fire Department also has several Activities through out the year that it puts on or participates in. The include Teen Dance (during Jesse James Festival), Water Rodeo competition, and other Fund Raisers.

Several of the current Full-Time and Senior Volunteers/Part-Time members started out on the Junior Fire Department.