The 2017 participants in the Junior Firefighter Program April 26.

Hub Staff

Six weeks of free training for 40 junior firefighters, aged 9 to 11, began April 26 marking 27 years of the Saugeen Shores Junior Firefighter Program.

On the first night of action, children were split into four platoons, Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta, with many Saugeen Shores firefighters volunteering their time to teach the program.

Each platoon visited the radio room to learn the areas served by Saugeen Shores firefighters and what happens when someone calls 9-1-1. Everyone had the opportunity to experience what its like inside the large firetrucks, including the pumper aerial truck, while learning what the various equipment is used for.

Throughout the program, junior firefighters will be taught about seatbelt safety and auto extraction; and the difference in tempered and laminate glass and what tools will properly break through windows.

There will be emergency First Aid training provided by Bruce County EMS. Instructors will teach the junior firefighters about the importance of neck stabilization and proper techniques for adults and children.

Home fire safety and how to properly use a fire extinguisher will also be covered, as well as a look at pumper trucks, where the water comes from and how it is treated.

Students will get to unroll a hose from a firetruck, learn how to attach it to the pump and the function of the air release. Each junior firefighter will then have a chance to hit a specific target.

The six week course will culminate on May 31 with a skills presentation and graduation ceremony.

Junior firefighter Grace was all smiles as she partially scaled the pumper aerial truck during the first night of the Saugeen Shores Junior Firefighter Program April 26.

The junior firefighters learned the emergency service zones that the Saugeen Shores Fire Departments cover and what happens when 9-1-1 is called.

The junior firefighters have the chance to sit in the pumper aerial truck that can reach 75’ in the air.

Saugeen Shores Firefighter Paul Shular explained the functions of the pumper truck to the young firefighters.

Saugeen Shores Firefighter Gary Smith showing off the hoses to the junior firefighters April 26.