The Mountain Lakes Volunteer Fire Department provides high school students ages 16-18 the opportunity to serve the community alongside other, more experienced firefighters.
The Origins of the Program:
The Mountain Lakes Junior Fire Department, or JFD, was established in 1941 to supplement the shortage of volunteer firefighters in the town during World War Two. To this day, it has remained an active part of Fire Department operations. The JFD responds to a wide range of emergency calls from assisting residents with flooded basements to structure fires. Often you will see them changing air cylinders, connecting supply hose to fire hydrants, setting up rehabilitation stations, or taking attendance. They play many essential roles in any given fire scene.
To be a Volunteer Fire Fighter:
The JFD trains bi-weekly on numerous tasks they’ll complete throughout their time in the department. In addition, members of the JFD are provided the opportunity to serve as leaders. They are selected through a highly competitive process, competing against their peers. Once chosen by the advisory committee, the officers are responsible for planning and executing drills. In addition, officers manage the JFD members, making sure that tasks on the fire scene are being accomplished, and they must also work closely with senior firefighters to ensure safety on the fire ground.
Junior firefighters also are provided the opportunity to attend the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy over the summer. After completing training at the Academy, members of the JFD are introduced into the senior fire department upon turning 18, at which time, their duties expand to include interior operations. Many of our current senior firefighters started in the junior program and still serve to this day. Our current Assistant Chief, Matt DeSantis, was a member of the JFD from 2005-2006. He has gone on to serve the department for many years, including his term as Chief from 2014 – 2016.
A Unique Experience:
“The Junior Fire Department allows high school students to give back to the community in a way other volunteer organizations do not. The department is a great way to build friendships while reaping the reward of serving their neighbors. I have seen many members rise up, obtaining leadership roles, and doing more than what they ever thought they could. Every year I am impressed by what the Junior Department is capable of doing through leadership and commitment.” Joe Mullaney, Deputy Chief, and Junior Advisor
Captain Alan Lin, Senior, says, “Being part of the MLJFD has shown me the beauty of serving my community. The things we do, no matter how big or small, affect the town and our neighbors. It’s also quite fun to ride in a fire engine.”
While this may seem like a lot, it is important to see the reward in serving the community. Unlike other in-town volunteer options, the MLJFD provides high school students with knowledge and opportunities unavailable anywhere else. The department also provides the opportunity to serve in leadership roles and learn more about the community. While there is a commitment, it is clear that the service the department offers to the town rises above the time spent training and preparing. Consider joining the Mountain Lakes Junior Fire Department. You’ll never regret it.
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