Purpose
and History
The Waterloo Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1975 to provide fire protection services to the community. We are proud to be 100% volunteer. In 1985 a junior firefighter program was established to develop youth with fire training and service. Being a junior firefighter is a rewarding way to learn skills used in firefighting and emergency medicine. Upon learning a minimum number of skills, advanced juniors can and are expected to respond to emergency calls under the supervision of senior firefighters. The jobs that junior firefighters do, free up qualified senior firefighters to perform other crucial tasks. Juniors will learn on the job and with regular training and be able to fight real fires once becoming a resident member. All training, uniforms and personal protective equipment are provided at no cost. Being a firefighter can be a dangerous job. Strict laws exist to protect minors from the most hazardous dangers. For example, junior firefighters will never enter a burning building or operate on top of a roof. The Waterloo Volunteer Fire Department takes safety very seriously and will not tolerate horseplay during training or real emergencies. It must also be recognized that during emergency conditions, a junior might be asked to complete a task prohibited by law. In this case, the junior member must take responsibility to alert the member asking to the fact it is prohibited. You should then report the request to command at the scene. Once back at the station, you should report the incident to a junior advisor so that follow up training can be provided to the crew. YOU SHOULD NEVER INTENTIONALLY BREAK THE LAW, EVEN IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION.
Introduction
The requirements to be a junior firefighter are as follows. Junior firefighters must be at least 16 years old but not older than 18 years old. They must be able to follow directions under stressful conditions. They should be in good physical condition to perform essential fire ground tasks. Juniors should be willing and able to attend at least 50% of scheduled meetings and required training. Special trainings are optional but highly encouraged. Juniors must maintain a 75% average or higher in their schoolwork to remain active; they must also maintain a clean driving record. The principal of Waterloo will review grades, and he will give the final OK for participation. Junior firefighters need to be self-starters and be willing to learn. Juniors who regularly strive to learn more and be involved will be rewarded with increasing levels of responsibility and opportunities. Junior members who do not contribute to the department will be removed from active status to allow other juniors the opportunity to participate. The fire department is proud of its members; junior members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner when representing the fire department. Talking about internal fire department activities including finances and other fire departments reduces the public trust and will be dealt with appropriately. We are happy to have you as a member of the Waterloo Volunteer Fire Department. We look forward to some great training and your assistance during actual emergencies.
1. The regular fire department officers will directly
supervise the Junior Fire Department. A committee made up of members of the
regular fire department, assigned by the Chief, to act as the “Junior Advisors”.
2. The Junior Fire Department shall abide by all federal,
state and departmental rules and regulations.
3. All members of the Junior Fire Department shall meet the
minimum standards
4. Junior applicant will be brought to a vote by the regular
fire department membership. If majority members at the business meeting accept
the applicant, then the applicant shall become an official junior member. .
5. The Waterloo Volunteer Fire Department has established a
limit of 15 junior positions, if more applications are received; candidates
will be evaluated by the junior firefighter Council.
6. Dependents of active fire department personnel are
automatically accepted regardless of the total number of junior members
currently on hand.
7. All juniors must complete the department Junior
Orientation Program (JOP). This program includes departmental procedures,
building policies, apparatus orientation and command structure.
8. All fire department members must recognize
rules and regulations that govern minors and their safety. Junior members are
not permitted to participate in activities that are prohibited. Junior members
must recognize when they have been asked to perform something not appropriate
and will report this to the requesting firefighter and commanding officer.
9. Only officers may talk to the media. All junior members
will refer all questions regarding the fire department to the most senior
officer on the scene. Juniors are expected to represent the fire department in
a positive manner. It is not appropriate to discuss internal matters of the
fire department or talk negatively about other fire departments.
10. Junior members may use the station by
request and approval of your junior advisor. DO NOT bring your friends to hang
around the fire station.
11. Any injuries occurring during training or a scene call
are covered by Worker’s Compensation Insurance. All injuries must be reported
to the senior officer as soon as practical for documentation and treatment.
15. Alcohol beverages, Drugs, and firearms are NOT allowed
on fire department property or functions at any time. A No Tolerance Policy
for the use of /or possession of alcohol or drugs is in effect. Any violation
of either will result in automatic dismissal.
16. Do not respond to calls or come to the station
if you are sick or under the influence of medication.
1. All speed limits and traffic laws are to be strictly
followed while responding to the station, or to a Call.
2. The Waterloo Volunteer Fire Department is in no way
responsible or liable for any moving violations while enroot to or from the
station or a Call.
3. We are on the honor system for the junior fire fighters
to report any moving violations or accidents; any violation of this honor
system will result in automatic dismissal.
4. Reports of
observed reckless driving by a junior fire fighter (at any time) will be
reported to a Fire Department Officer for appropriate action.
5. Junior members are allowed to respond to the scene with
their assigned personal protective equipment if an alarm for a “Working Fire
or Emergency” has been given. All speed limits and traffic laws are to be
strictly followed while responding to the scene. WVFD, its officers or its
members are in no way responsible or liable for any moving violations or
accidents while Enroot to or from a scene call. Upon arrival to the scene ALL
junior members must check in with the Incident Commander (IC).
1. Junior member must be in good standing with the department,
and attend at least 50% of scheduled meetings and/or training’s. Exceptions are
allowed with prior approval of a Junior Advisor.
2. When riding any piece of apparatus, junior firefighters
shall position themselves in a seat with a seat belt in place and securely
fastened. Under no circumstances will a junior stand up on an apparatus while
the apparatus is moving.
3. All instructions of the officer must be followed exactly.
If you are not sure what you are doing or have been assigned something you are
not permitted to do, say so right away so your task can be clarified or someone
else can be given the assignment.
4. Junior firefighters shall NOT at anytime, start or
attempt to start or move any fire department vehicle. No Exceptions.
5. Upon returning to the station, assists in clean up; store your gear for the next call.
6. You must be 17 years old to ride an apparatus on an emergency call.
7. You must be 18 and have past EVOC class, and meet the requirements of driving time to drive an apparatus.
MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS
Junior firefighters are permitted to
respond or assist (fire or medical duties) at any accident on a public roadway.
Juniors’ 16 years old and older, may assist in vehicle rescue under
direct supervision if they are appropriately trained and supervised.
Juniors WILL NOT directly assist in any
patient care, {other than CPR).
Juniors WILL NOT assist in any
hazardous materials situations.
The WVFD and/or the law specifically
prohibit members under the age of 18 of an emergency service organization from
participating in the following activities:
1. Operating organizational vehicles.
2. Operating various types of power driven saws and shears.
3. Using rubber electric gloves, insulated wire cutters, or
acetylene cutting torches.
4. Entering a burning structure.
5. Ascending ladders, except during training.
6. Perform operations in tunnels, shafts or trenches.
7. Participate in emergencies at explosives or fireworks
retailers.
8. Participate in operations with incidents involving paint,
acid or poisons (any HAZMAT).
9. Participate in operations involving radioactive
substances.
10. Roof top ventilation or any work on top of a roof.
11. Entry into a hazardous atmosphere (including training).
1. Participate in organized training activities in which an
adult member of the organization is present and supervising the junior member.
2. All aspects of fire suppression training except interior
live fire extinguishment.
3. Rescue training.
4. Hazardous material training except entry using Level A
and B personal protection equipment.
5. Safety training.
6. Wild land firefighting and Wilderness Search and Rescue
training.
7. Provide canteen services.
8. Participate in support capacity for searches,
rescues, wild fires, Hazmat incidents and water supply operations while under
direct supervision of a senior member.
9. Must be under the direct supervision and control of the
fire chief or a trained experienced officer over 21 years of age. Direct
supervision means that the officer must be within speaking and touching
distance of the junior member.
10. Attacking the fire with hose lines as part of EXTERIOR
operations.
11. Setting ladders.
12. Setting up Positive Pressure Ventilation as part of
EXTERIOR operations.
13. Clean up with the following conditions:
a. Must be outside the fire building collapse zone.
b. Only after the incident is declared under control by
Command.
c. Must be “on air” if working in a fire area and trained on
SCBA’s.
14. Salvage operations while “on air”.
15. Establishing water supply.
Training is a very important part of
being a firefighter. All Fire and EMS Training related to the Waterloo
Volunteer Fire Department could be paid for. Fill out a training request form
requiring prior approval and having it approved by the proper Junior Advisor
and officer. You are encouraged to take as much training as possible.
Requirements:
1. Complete 3 months of service.
2. Attend 50% of all scheduled meetings.
3. Have an understanding of Waterloo Volunteer Fire
Department Operations and apparatus. Accountability command structure, Personal
Protective Equipment, Safety and hydrant operations.
4. Be recommended by Junior Advisors and approved by the
Fire Department Board.
Failure to complete the probationary
requirements will result in a one-time extension of the probationary period.
Continued failure to complete the probationary requirements will result in loss
of membership. If this happens, a new application must be submitted after 6
months.
OFFICERS
The Waterloo Fire Chief will designate one
officer/department head to the position of Junior Chairman to supervise the
Junior Fire Department Program. The Chairman will designate Junior Advisors as
needed to carry out the responsibilities of the program.
The Chief will appoint two junior officers (Captain and Lieutenant). Additional officer positions can be created and or eliminated by the Junior Chairman as needed.
To hold an officer position, a member
must be active and in good standing for at least 1 year and complete officer
training. Officers must be willing to provide additional hours to complete the
duties of the position. Candidates must be approved by a Junior Advisor to be
appointed as officer.
DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Junior Captain will be the
ranking junior member. The Captain will be in charge of all junior events,
meetings and functions. The Captain will conduct the business meetings;
supervise duties of other junior officers. The Captain will coordinate
recruiting and recognition of junior members.
As you know, we are the only Department in the state that will allow Junior Firefighters to leave school for a call. There are guidelines that MUST be followed for this to continue. The Principle at Waterloo School has worked with us to setup these guidelines to protect the school and the fire department. Any abuse of this privilege will result in automatic dismissal of said person from the Junior Firefighter Program. You will only be able to leave school when a call from an Officer or a designated representative of the Fire department, is received at the office. Office personal will page all junior firefighters to the office. You must report to the office and sign a checkout sheet that will be posted. You can’t sign this sheet for anyone else. This sheet will be checked against our run report to verify that people, who leave school, respond to the call. Please see the following guidelines and rules for responding from school.
Receive their orders. If you don’t know who the IC is, go to the person operating
the pump.
Guidelines Signature Form___________
Signing this form means that I have read the Guidelines for the Junior Firefighter Program and Understand that these rules were established for my safety, and to protect the Waterloo Volunteer Fire Department and Waterloo High School. I also understand that any breach of these guidelines can result in immediate dismissal from the Junior Firefighter Program, and may result in additional punishment by school personal, or by State and Local Law.
Candidate Signature ____________________________________________
Date _________________
Parent or Guardian Signature _____________________________________
Date _________________