Valdosta Youth to Explore Firefighting Career

The Valdosta Fire Department is accepting applications for its new Fire & Emergency Services Career Exploring program, which teaches and provides firsthand experience for young people ages 14 to 20 about careers in the field of fire and emergency services. To introduce this program to the community, the VFD will host an Exploring session on Monday, Nov. 9, at 6 p.m., at the VFD Station #1, located at 106 S. Oak Street.

VFD Exploring will meet on the first Tuesday of each month, from 6-9 p.m., throughout the year and will combine classroom training with hands-on lessons to give members a well-rounded experience of the responsibilities that firefighters face. Although Exploring is a division of Boy Scouts of America, the program is open to both young men and women.

Firefighters and other emergency personnel will teach first aid, fire safety, emergency management, physical fitness, leadership methods, etc., and participants may participate in local and national competitions, community events, and real firefighting scenarios in a training setting.

Applications will be available and accepted at the Nov. 9 VFD event. VFD personnel will be on hand to discuss the $28 membership fee and other program specifics.

VFD Exploring is one of the City of Valdosta's many youth outreach programs designed to engage our youth in their local government. Other programs include—but are not limited to—the Valdosta Youth Council, Government 101 Citizens Orientation, Mock Trials, Mock Press Conferences, Job Shadow Day, Stormwater Curb Marker events, facility tours, school visits, and more.

For more information about VFD Exploring, contact VFD Battalion Chief John T. Robinson at (229) 333-1844.