minimum age for junior firefighters

[determined FF]

I am Volunteer and Commission Certified Firefighter in Texas. Can anyone tell me if they know of any state laws regulating the minimum age for membership of Junior Firefighters in my state? I have researched everywhere I can think of and can't locate any. Can anyone please help...Our County ESD is trying to mandate to us a minimum age for Juniors and we are losing half our volunteers. They help on scene only in support roles as in rehab but only at mimimum age 14, however the Juniors participate in all Training evolutions to prepare them for to become full fledge firefighters at age 18.

[tuf.trux]

Hey I'm a JF in Vermont and I know i was not allowed to join until I turned 16... I don't know if that is due to state regs or just my dept's preferences.