Camp shows youths what it takes to be a firefighter Published July 28, 2011 By Connie Hempel 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Goodfellow Fire Department made summer learning fun for some youths this week during the Fifth Annual Jr. Firefighter Camp. The camp is a mentorship program offered to youths age 10-12 to educate them on fire safety and prevention, and also to give them an opportunity to see if firefighting would be a future career choice. About eight boys and girls participated in activities on how to properly use a fire extinguisher, how to safely climb up and down a ladder, fire hose evolutions, first aid skills, and training on specialized rescue tools and equipment including the "Jaws of Life." "Even though it's only a week long, they walk away with skills and a knowledge base of what the fire service is all about," said Glenn Haffner, Assistant Fire Chief for Prevention. Alina Jones, 11, said this is her third year attending the camp and hopes to go back for next year's too. "It's really fun, and each time I come here I definitely get some brain refreshers," Alina said. "But my favorite part of the camp is going to see where they train at the fire academy." Throughout the week, the youths spent three hours each day discovering different aspects of firefighting through a classroom setting, demonstrations and hands-on training. Haffner said that although the lessons are very basic, it gave them a good idea of what firefighters do and the character required of an individual to be a firefighter. "We want them to learn the importance of what we do," he said. During the first aid portion, they learn how to treat minor injuries such as bandaging wounds, splinting techniques, and identifying and treating shock. Haffner said about a year ago one Jr. Firefighter Camp graduate applied the skills she learned from the camp when her brother fell and broke his arm. Having attended the Jr. Firefighter Camp that year, she was able to splint her brother's arm to prevent further injury. Haffner said she will be recognized for her efforts July 29as she's presented with a 17th CES Fire Emergency Services coin and appreciation letter. With feedback and ideas from groups past, each year the camp can be a little different. One of the changes for this year's class was participation by the San Angelo Fire Department who brought out their new aerial truck "Ladder One." "It gave the youths an opportunity to see a piece of equipment we don't have on base in action," Haffner said. For next year's camp, Haffner plans to have a firefighter combat challenge. The challenge is considered the toughest two minutes in sports, but he said it will be scaled down for camp participants. Chief Haffner said this camp offers the participant the opportunity to have the lead role in educating family and friends the importance of fire and life safety. Parents interested in having their children participate in next year's camp, slated for July 2012, can contact the 17th CES Fire Emergency Services fire prevention section at (325) 654-3537.
