Tennessee City Plans to Rekindle Junior Firefighters

The city of Jasper, Tenn., is restarting its junior firefighter program.

Teens between 15-17 will be able to apply. The Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to rekindle the program, which was canceled so long ago that no one seems to remember why. The vote is subject to the city’s insurance carrier covering the students.

Jasper Fire Department Chief Chris Rector told the Chattanooga Times Free Press junior firefighters would not be allowed inside a burning structure, but would be cleared to perform certain duties outside at a live fire.

Jasper Mayor Paul Evans said getting young people involved as junior firefighter will help recruit them when they turn 18.