Junior Firefighters

What is the Junior Firefighter program?

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 Firefighters consisting of young Men and Women between the ages of 14 – 18 years old. They are under the direction of an advisor (Captain 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 respond on Fire and EMS calls with Senior Firefighters.

The Program

The History of the Jr Fire Department

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..

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

Rules & Regulations

Membership Requirements

Juniors follow strict rules and regulations. These standards were developed by the juniors themselves.  Grade checks are done several times during the year to hold each junior accountable for their obligations.

To qualify for the Jr. Firefighter you must meet the following requirements:

  1. Be at least 14 years of age
  2. Live within the Kearney Fire & Rescue Protection District boundaries
  3. Must stay active in the program
  4. Maintain a “C” Average (2.0 GPA)
  5. At no time allowed to have an F in any class
  6. Pass the Application Process that includes a background check

Get Started

If you meet these requirements please feel free to download and bring in your Jr. application to the Fire Station or send fill out our form!

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION