For the second year, during the week of July 25, 2016, 45 Juniors and Explorers from 22 different fire companies participated in the Nassau County Juniors ‘Fire Camp Fahrenheit 516.’ The camp was designed to give kids hands-on experience with the same training that probies go through. The camp program was designed by the County Juniors Board of Directors, Academy Staff Chief Hughes, Chief Wilders and the FSA Instructors. Four new evolutions were added this year, consisting of a second story bailout, hydraulic extrication, aerial ladders, and roof operations.
One of the highlights of the camp was the streaming of a live video of selected evolutions and classroom sessions to Korb, Germany, where a group of junior firefighters watched from their training room. The video ended up being watched by 349 other juniors from Germany, Canada, Sweden, Norway and the US.
For five seven-hour days the juniors received the most intense training the camp could offer. On Friday night all the students attended their graduation where members and chiefs from all of the participating departments joined them at the Nassau County Legislative Chambers where Chief Hughes and Chief Fire Marshal Scott Tusa presented them with certificates from the FSA and County Executive Mangano. The National Volunteer Fire Council, which recognized the organization in 2012, sent backpacks and cooler bags as gifts.
To take a look at what went on at the camp visit the website at www.ncjfa.org click on Fire Camp. You can also visit YouTube and search “Nassau Juniors Camp Fahrenheit 2016” and follow them on Facebook; search “Nassau Juniors.”
– Fire News photos by Jerry Presta
