The Inter-Boro Mutual Aid Group, a cooperative organization of some fourteen northern Bergen County Volunteer Fire Departments, conducted a Drill (Training Session) for Junior Firefighters.  Junior Firefighters are volunteers from ages 15-17 who assist their local Volunteer Fire Departments by performing essential firefighting tasks on the outside of the fire building.  By doing so they free up Regular Firefighters to perform the critical inside firefighting tasks (search & rescue for and of victims, and the stretching & operating of hose-lines to extinguish the fire).  The training opportunity was extended to the Junior Firefighters of the Inter-Boro’s Fire Departments as well as Junior Firefighters of surrounding Departments with whom the Inter-Boro Departments work at Mutual Aid (Multiple Alarm) fires. 

The Drill, which was conducted at the Bergenfield Fire Training Center, on Sunday, 5 October 2025, drilled 30 Junior Firefighters in the many firefighting tasks which they can perform on the outside of the fire building including:  anchoring & connecting the 5 inch supply line from the fire hydrant to the pumper apparatus (Engine) which will supply the water to the attack hose-lines, raising portable ground ladders to the critical floor(s) above the fire and the roof, stretching and operating hose-lines for exposure (adjacent building) protection, and familiarization  with the basic tools of the firefighter (hoses & nozzles, forcible entry tools and hooks).

The training was conducted at various stations, through which the trainees rotated, where experienced Regular Firefighters and Officers taught the next generation of Firefighters the basics of their craft.  Local Emergency Medical Service resources were tapped to provide a Rehabilitation station, where the trainees physical wellbeing was monitored, as well as to be available in the event of any injuries.  

Through Drills such as this and training with their own Departments these Junior Firefighters are better prepared to assist their Departments in their sworn duty to Protect Life and Property from Fire.  Any interested, able-bodied individual, aged 15-17, interested in serving his/her community in this manner is encouraged to contact their local Volunteer Fire Department for details on joining.