It’s National Firefighter Health Week: Are You Up for the Challenge?

As a junior firefighter, you’re used to facing challenges head on. You balance schoolwork, friends, volunteering at the station, and maybe even a part-time job – and have fun doing it. Challenge yourself to live a healthy lifestyle so that you stay strong and able to reach your goals.
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Create a Safer Community This Fall

The summer is winding down, and fall is right around the corner. Make plans with your junior firefighter program to participate in two important national observances: National Preparedness Month and Fire Prevention Week.
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New Resource: State Legislation Information

Each state has different regulations and laws concerning the activities in which youth fire service volunteers are allowed to participate. If you are starting a new program, it can be difficult to know what your junior firefighters are allowed to do. The National Junior Firefighter Program has posted a list of available state regulations.
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Lessons from the National Junior Firefighter Academy

The inaugural National Junior Firefighter Academy, held on July 24 as part of Firehouse Expo in Baltimore, MD, was a great success. Thanks to support from Spartan Motors, Inc., California Casualty, MSA, and Firehouse Expo, the National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) National Junior Firefighter Program offered the course to help educate and connect junior firefighters and program advisors.
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National Junior Firefighter Academy a Great Success

The National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) National Junior Firefighter Program, in partnership with Spartan Motors, Inc., California Casualty, and Firehouse Expo, presented the inaugural National Junior Firefighter Academy on July 24 as part of Firehouse Expo in Baltimore, MD. The Academy, which was held from 9am-12pm, consisted of two sessions that ran concurrently - one junior firefighters and one for advisors. A lunch reception was held afterwards, courtesy of MSA.
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Register Now for the National Junior Firefighter Academy

The National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) National Junior Firefighter Program has partnered with Firehouse Expo, Spartan Motors, Inc., and California Casualty to provide two courses targeted for junior firefighters and junior firefighter program advisors this summer. The courses will run concurrently from 9am-12pm on Saturday, July 24, at Firehouse Expo in Baltimore, MD. Lunch will follow courtesy of MSA.
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NVFC Partners Working to Keep Teens and Communities Safe

The NVFC’s National Junior Firefighter Program is always seeking new resources and information to share with departments and youth. Now, the NVFC is partnering with the Home Safety Council and Impact Teen Drivers, two national nonprofits, to bring important safety information to junior fighters and their program advisors.
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Visit the NVFC Booth

Will members of your junior firefighter program be attending a state or national fire service trade show this year? If so, check to see if it is a show the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) will be attending.
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Save the Date for the National Junior Firefighter Academy

The National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) National Junior Firefighter Program has partnered with Firehouse Expo, Spartan Motors, Inc., and California Casualty to provide two courses targeted for junior firefighters and junior firefighter program advisors this summer. The courses will run concurrently on Saturday, July 24, at Firehouse Expo in Baltimore, MD and will be followed by lunch courtesy of MSA.
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NVFC Announces 2010 National Junior Firefighter Program Award Winners

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has named the recipients of the Junior Firefighter Program of the Year Award and the Junior Firefighter of the Year Award. Outstanding junior firefighters and programs from across the country were nominated for this year’s awards, which were made possible through the support of Tyco International.
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Let’s Move! Campaign Aims to Overcome Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity or excess weight threatens the healthy future of one third of American children. Obesity rates tripled in the past 30 years, a trend that means, for the first time in our history, American children may face a shorter expected lifespan than their parents. We need to get moving.
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Stay Smoke-free for Your Health

You’ve all heard it before, whether it was in health class or from your parents: Smoking is bad. Yet each year millions of teens light up their first cigarette. As a junior firefighter, you may feel like you’ll fit in with firefighters at the station who smoke if you start too. But smoking is extremely dangerous to your health and can negatively impact your future. Here are some facts about smoking that you should consider when debating putting that cigarette in your mouth.
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New Incentive Reward: Backpacks

The National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) National Junior Firefighter Program is excited to announce a new incentive reward level. At 500 volunteer hours, registered junior firefighters and Explorers who are NVFC Junior Members will receive a National Junior Firefighter Program backpack. The new incentive reward level was made possible by Tyco (www.tyco.com ).
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Know the Facts About Underage Drinking

Many teenagers are faced with peer pressure to experiment with alcohol. April is Alcohol Awareness Month – a great opportunity to learn more about the risks of underage drinking.
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NVFC Releases Junior Firefighter Handbook

The National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) Junior Firefighter Handbook is now available. Developed through the NVFC’s National Junior Firefighter Program, the Handbook provides steps for starting, maintaining, and expanding a junior firefighter program.
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College Students: Sign up to Participate in National Campus Fire Safety Initiative

Be part of a team that creates campus fire safety educational materials for thousands of students nationwide. The igot2kno Student Design Team works with Campus Firewatch and the People's Burn Foundation to provide feedback and ideas for the next generation of campus fire safety resources. The project will be done electronically throughout the 2010 spring semester. Sign up now on the igot2know Student Design Team’s page on Facebook.
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Building a Healthy Future in the Fire Service

As a junior firefighter, you are preparing for a lifetime of involvement in a physically demanding field. The choices you make can benefit you now and in the future.
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Utilize Fire Corps Resources for your Junior Firefighter Program

Your junior firefighter program or Explorer Post can find additional resources, apply for national awards, and find funding opportunities by registering as a Fire Corps program. Fire Corps is a locally-driven Citizen Corps program that enables community members to offer their time and talents to their local fire/EMS department in a non-emergency capacity.

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NFPA Report Shows Dangerous Aging Trend in Firefighters Protecting Small Communities

For the first time since the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) began tracking the age of firefighters by community size in 1987, the majority of firefighters protecting communities of fewer than 2,500 are 40 years of age or older. In 1987, more than 63 percent of firefighters protecting communities of 2,500 or less were under the age of 40. There are slightly more than 400,000 firefighters (out of 1.15 million total) protecting communities with populations of 2,500 or less, including 399,000 volunteer firefighters.

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Now Available: NVFC Junior Membership Level

Junior firefighters can now take advantage of the many great benefits of being a member of the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC). The NVFC is offering a new membership option especially designed for junior firefighters. A year-long Junior Membership to the NVFC can now be purchased for just $10 at www.nvfc.org/membership. The membership will become active on January 1, 2010.

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Nominate an Outstanding Junior Firefighter or Junior Program for National Award

The NVFC’s National Junior Firefighter Program, thanks to support from Tyco International, has introduced two new national awards to recognize achievements in the area of junior firefighting. Nominate an exceptional junior firefighter for the Junior Firefighter of the Year Award or apply for the Junior Firefighter Program of the Year Award at www.nvfc.org/juniors. The submission deadline is February 12.
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NVFC Announces Winners of National Junior Firefighter Program Grants

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), in partnership with the Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation, has selected 10 outstanding junior firefighter programs and Explorer Posts from departments nationwide to receive a $5,000 grant through the NVFC National Junior Firefighter Program. This is the second year that the program has honored ten exceptional junior firefighter programs with grants.

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New Resources Now Available on National Junior Firefighter Program Web Site

The National Junior Firefighter Program thanks all the junior firefighters and advisors who participated in the recent program survey. The results are in – and we’re listening. Thanks to your suggestions, there are some new additions to www.nvfc.org/juniors.
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National Firefighter Health Week: Keep Your Heart, Mind, and Body Strong

You became a junior firefighter so that you could get a head-start on a lifetime in the fire service. Now is also the time to build the foundation of a healthy lifestyle so that you will be prepared mentally and physically for the challenges ahead.
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NVFC Announces Winners of National Junior Firefighter Scholarships

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), in partnership with Baskin-Robbins®, has selected 10 outstanding junior firefighters to receive a $5,000 scholarship through the National Junior Firefighter Program. This was the second year that the program has honored ten exceptional applicants with scholarships.
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Apply Now for the National Junior Firefighter Program Grants

The application period for the 2009 National Junior Firefighter Program grants, sponsored by the Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation, is now open. Ten $5,000 grants will be awarded to departments nationwide whose junior firefighter or Explorer Post programs demonstrate exceptional innovation, creativity, and community impact.

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Take the National Junior Firefighter Program Survey

The NVFC wants to know what you think about the National Junior Firefighter Program. In order to gauge our effectiveness and to serve you better, the NVFC has launched a program survey and is seeking your feedback. We value your input – take the survey today!

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NVFC and Baskin-Robbins® Recognize “America’s Favorite Junior Firefighters”

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and Baskin-Robbins® have identified 27 exemplary junior firefighters from across the nation as America’s Favorite Junior Firefighters in conjunction with Baskin-Robbins 31 Cent Scoop Night.
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Deadline Extended – Junior Firefighter Scholarship Applications Due June 1

The scholarship application deadline for the 2009 National Junior Firefighter Scholarship and Grant Program has been extended to Monday, June 1. The deadline extension offers more time for junior firefighters and Explorers to apply for one of ten $5,000 scholarships to help fund their higher education in these tough economic times.
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Raise Funds for Your Department During 31 Cent Scoop Night

Raise funds for your fire and emergency service department by partnering with your local Baskin-Robbins® store for the 3rd annual Baskin-Robbins 31 Cent Scoop Night, which takes place on April 29 from 5-10 p.m.
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NVFC Junior Firefighters Achieve Top Benchmark

Congratulations to the dedicated junior firefighters who have reached the NVFC National Junior Firefighter Program’s top benchmark of 250 volunteer hours! Each of these exceptional juniors has received or will be nominated for the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA).
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NVFC, Baskin-Robbins Team Up to Support Junior Firefighters: Get Your Local Junior Program Involved

The NVFC and Baskin-Robbins have teamed up to support the future of the volunteer fire service - junior firefighters. During the third annual 31 Cent Scoop Night, which will be held on April 29 from 5-10pm, Baskin-Robbins stores will reduce the price of ice cream scoops to 31 cents. The event honors America's firefighters and is an opportunity for fire organizations to raise funds at their local store.

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2009 National Junior Firefighter Scholarship Application Period to Open in February

The NVFC will begin accepting applications for the 2009 National Junior Firefighter Scholarship Program in February. Ten outstanding junior firefighters from across the nation will be selected through a competitive application process to receive a $5,000 scholarship towards their higher education. The 2009 scholarship program is supported by Baskin-Robbins.
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Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation Awards Grant to Help Build Next Generation of Firefighters

The Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation announced that it is awarding a grant to the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to support its National Junior Firefighter Program. The grant builds on the success of a grant in 2008 which resulted in 520 junior firefighter programs and 275 junior firefighters registering with the national program.
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National Junior Firefighter Program Resources Continue to Expand

If you have not visited the National Junior Firefighter Program web site recently, now is a great time to stop by. In addition to a new look, easier navigation, and special registered member log-in features, the site offers many great resources for both program administrators and junior firefighters.
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NVFC Announces Winners of National Junior Firefighter Scholarships

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), in partnership with the Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation, has selected 10 outstanding junior firefighters to receive a $5,000 scholarship through the National Junior Firefighter Scholarship and Grant Program.
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NVFC, Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation to Award Junior Firefighter Scholarships in July

May 28, 2007 - The National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) National Junior Firefighter Program will award a total of $100,000 to outstanding juniors and their departments, thanks to the support of the Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation. The awards will be presented at Firehouse Expo in Baltimore, MD, on July 24.

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NVFC Releases Podcast on Junior Firefighter Programs

April 8, 2008 - The NVFC has created a podcast to introduce departments to the National Junior Firefighter Program and offer insights and best practices for establishing and managing a local youth program within a department.

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Application Period for National Junior Firefighter Scholarship and Grant Program Now Open

March 31, 2008 - The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is now accepting applications for the National Junior Firefighter Scholarship and Grant Program, sponsored by Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation.

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National Junior Firefighter Program Advisory Committee Holds Inaugural Meeting

February 26, 2008 - The National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) National Junior Firefighter Program is offering $100,000 in scholarships to outstanding junior firefighters and grants to their departments. The criteria and application are now available on the NVFC web site at www.nvfc.org/juniors. Applications must be received by May 15, 2008.

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NVFC Receives Grant from Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation

December 3, 2007 - The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) received a $389,000 grant from the Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation to support its National Junior Firefighter Program. The NVFC was one of three organizations to receive a grant from the Foundation this year.

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NVFC Launches National Junior Firefighter Program

July 28, 2007 - The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and Spartan Motors launched the National Junior Firefighter Program on July 28 at Firehouse Expo in Baltimore, Maryland.

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