PICKING UP SKILLS — Newell Volunteer Fire Department’s junior firefighter C.J. Duty works during a demonstration with senior firefighter Connor Lang as they learn about vehicle accident entrapments and how small staffs can benefit from multipurpose TNT tools. For example, the TNT provides firefighters with five tools in one: axe, ram, pry, sledge and pike pole. The National Fire Protection Association has found that one-third of volunteer firefighters are older than age 50; however, the Newell VFD’s Junior Firefighter program has served as a recruitment tool. -- Contributed

NEWELL — As some volunteer fire departments are struggling to recruit members, the Newell Volunteer Fire Department is achieving some success through its recently resurrected Junior Firefighter program.

The National Fire Protection Association reports a 16.23 percent drop in volunteer firefighters nationwide between 2015 and 2017. That number continues to decline as more than one-third of volunteers in small communities were older than age 50.

According to Seth Cheuvront, Newell VFD vice president of operations, the junior firefighter program gives prospective firefighter candidates the chance to learn about local fire, rescue and emergency medical services — response organizations in a safe, controlled, educational and fun environment. Participants also learn about the importance of teamwork, leadership and commitment, with the program providing the department with a unique recruitment opportunity.

Junior firefighters, who range in age from 16 to 18, work under the supervision of a junior supervisor and attend weekly training about fire suppression, apparatus maintenance, and other skills. In addition to meeting the age requirements, applicants need to be in sound physical condition and successfully pass an initial interview with the Junior Committee.

The department not only pays for all training expenses but provides personal assigned protective gear.

To apply for consideration to the program, Cheuvront recommended that interested parties complete the online application on the Junior Firefighters page at newellvfd.us

The next junior firefighter basics class will be held 6-9 p.m. Thursday, at the fire station and is required to be successfully completed by the state of West Virginia.

Mandatory department trainings generally are held weekly from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays through the end of April.