June 16-20: The Limerick Fire Department welcomed nearly 160 campers for a high-energy week of hands-on firefighting and safety training at our annual Youth Firefighter Camp!

Throughout the week, campers rotated through a wide variety of engaging and interactive stations designed to teach them the fundamentals of firefighting, rescue operations, and emergency response. They geared up in turnout gear, learned how to properly call 911, operate fire extinguishers, and explore the various types of apparatus used in real-world emergencies—including ladder trucks, tower units, marine units, and tankers. Inside the fire prevention trailer, campers practiced escaping smoke-filled rooms, learned about kitchen and bedroom fire safety, and developed family escape plans.

A special highlight was a visit from the Limerick Police Department and their K-9 officer, Nischa. Officers spoke to the campers about bike safety and gear, and Nischa quickly became a camp favorite.

For the older Cadet group, the week included more advanced, scenario-based training. During a search and rescue mission at Limerick Community Park, they teamed up with the Greater Philadelphia Search and Rescue team to perform large-area searches, practice patient packaging, and communicate via radio. At Trinley Park, cadets received water rescue instruction from the LFD Water Rescue Team—working with rescue ropes, setting up control points, and taking boat rides on the Schuylkill River while learning about swift water operations.

Campers also took part in fire station rotations that focused on teamwork and real-world skills, including hose handling, ladder deployment, hydrant operations, and using fireground communication tools. They gained firsthand experience in forcible entry, learned how to provide basic EMS care, including bandaging and using the backboard, and even participated in confined space rescue simulations—complete with rope systems and air monitoring. CPR and AED training gave them critical lifesaving knowledge, while tours of a mobile communications unit and a drone demonstration taught them how technology supports fire and rescue scenes.

Rescue demonstrations were a major highlight. Campers watched as firefighters used tools like spreaders, cutters, and airbags to simulate a vehicle rescue. Following the extrication, EMS crews evaluated the “patient,” and JeffStat flew in by helicopter to perform a mock medevac. Afterward, campers had the opportunity to tour the helicopter and meet the flight crew.

Inside the training room, campers received important home safety lessons on dryer maintenance, electrical hazards, situational awareness, and how to prevent common kitchen fires. They practiced smothering stove-top fires, learned how to shut off a sprinkler system, and participated in fun, hands-on water games like the Push Barrel Hose Battle, thanks to the Upper Frederick Fire Company.

Special guests, including Arson K-9 Wagner and his handler from the Norristown Fire Department, gave a live demonstration of how accelerant-detection dogs assist in fire investigations. Campers also observed how tow trucks flip vehicles during rescue operations and watched a live vehicle fire suppression demo. The week concluded with a well-earned pizza party and a visit from Sparky the Fire Dog—wrapping up a memorable, fun, and educational experience!