A future in firefighting

There’s somewhat of a formula for preparing for life after high school.
Students seek to get good grades in their required courses and research options such as college, military or trades.
But some students from Jay, Adams and Wells counties are taking a different, more hands-on, approach.
Twenty-five area high school students are taking the inaugural firefighter training class through Geneva Volunteer Fire Department.
The idea of training high school students came from Art Booth, who has been a volunteer firefighter in Geneva for 37 years.
After retiring from Rae Magnet Wire in Fort Wayne, Booth knew he wanted to do something more.
So he went back to school and received his associate’s degree in public safety and fire science.
He knew teaching was the next step.
“I approached the school systems probably over a year ago and asked them ‘what if,’” Booth said.
The schools agreed that offering firefighter training was a good idea, so Booth proceeded by talking to local fire departments to find out if there was a need. The fire departments were enthusiastic and encouraging about the program, Booth said.
The first class began in August.
“The program is to take young high school kids and give them a skill set,” said Booth, who is teaching the class. “The goal in the end is to have (the students) certified through the state of Indiana.”
The students have been enthusiastic about the program as well. Booth originally planned for a 15-student class, but 25 registered and are currently taking the course.
Scott Somers, a Jay County High School junior, said he has always wanted to be a volunteer firefighter, so the class was the perfect opportunity to earn his certifications before he graduates.
“I have two uncles that are firefighters and my dad was a volunteer for the longest time,” Somers said. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was little. I think it’s cool what they do, how they protect everybody in their own way.”
The program’s goal is certification by the end of the year, but there have been some difficulties.
Some students’ schedules don’t allow them to be enrolled for the whole year. Others won’t be 18 — the required age for certification in Indiana — when they graduate.

But Booth has been working with the state to ensure every student eventually gets certified.
 He’s able to test the class at Geneva Volunteer Fire Department, and the state will hold their certifications until they turn 18.
“Once they get through here and turn 18 by Indiana law they can go to work in a volunteer fire department or a career fire department,” Booth said.
The funding for the program came from a district 13 federal fund that allows $10,000 for new programs. The money was used to order books and other training equipment.
Since most of the money was used on books, Booth had to ask for materials from other fire departments because equipment is expensive — a firefighters jacket and pants are $1,500.
Area fire departments have pitched in, and every student has his or her own book and gear.
High schools do offer a variety of classes and vocational programs, but fire-training is different from most of the other classes.
“It’s different because we’re at a hazardous occupation, firefighting is hazardous,” Booth said. “And these kids are learning how to do that. I’m hoping they get a little self-pride out of it.”  
It’s important that every pupil has his or her own gear since the class involves hands on activity in addition to typical school work.
They’ve practiced how to put on the fire gear quickly and efficiently, which will be part of the certification test. The students also learn how to attach hoses and how to respond in emergency situations, since they’re often the first at the scene to such situations.
“I tell the kids they’re going to have to have the answers out there for the public. They’re the go to person,” Booth said.
Chad Lykins, another JCHS senior, says he’s learning a lot from the class and hopes the skills and knowledge he learns will prepare him for his future in firefighting.
“I watch what my dad does everyday with his fire department and kind of want to get into the same things,” said Lykins, whose father is part of Redkey Volunteer Fire Department. “As soon as I saw him get into it I knew it was something I’d be interested in doing.”