WHY?

[JE75at48]

Why did you become a Junior? What was the drive behind it? I joined because I had nothing better to do, and I love it now. I never thought of the Fire Service. Now I have trouble of thinking of anything else. I love it, because it's fun. I'm learning, and I'm a part of something that has the goal of life preservation. Why did you guys join?

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Torched@newjersey.com

[firecadetak]

I got a family history to keep up. My grandpa is retired as fire chief and my dad is currently a career lieutenant with 21+ years under his belt.

When I was younger, I used to spend the night at the station when my dad was on shift. Now I can do it at the station I am assigned to.

Something I have always wanted to do

[afd80]

I joined the Juniors at Ardsley FD when I was 14. I am now 23, have 5 years as a 'regular', a BS in Fire Science, work ina Fire Protection Engineering office, and just got hired as a Career FF/EMT with Stamford(CT) Fire Rescue. I also am currently the Head Advisor for our Junior Crew. The Junior Program DEFINITELY changed my life for the better.

[Benz543]

I want a career in the medical field and this looked like a good way to gain some valuable hands on experience as most calls are medical. No one in my family is in the fire service. My dad is a doc however. Being a explorer as helped me be more mature, taught me many valuable idioms for life, and introduced me to some great people.

[SCAFDEXP]

I got into the Post because I was looking into the Fire Service. I was not sure if that was what I wanted to do at the time, but now I am certain. The brotherhood and comradery, as well as the tradition and self gratification are addictive. It is one of the best experiences of my life, one I would not trade in for anything.

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Nick Funk "Bubba"
Explorer Captain
Swartz Creek Area Fire Dept.
Post 41

"FireFighters Walk Where The Devil Dances."

[resQ760]

My father and brother and other members of the family have been involved with Fire/EMS for the past 22-25 years, so I decided to keep it going and have been into it for three years now.

[18-10Robert]

In all honesty, I joined to get girls. When I joined 2 years ago I was the biggest loser and thought that standing in front of a gleaming red engine in a blue uniform with a badge would boost my social status. This lasted for maybe a week. Then I saw what being a firefighter was really about: saving life and property. I saw the brotherhood and comradery around my station and its something I wanted to be a part of, I wanted to feel useful. I busted my hump and did exactly as I was told and kept my ears open. I learned from the other guys in the department and put what I learned to use at drills. Now, I'm on a par with some of the regular firefighters and am respected by a majority of the company and its an amazing feeling to be part of this. I wouldn't trade the experiances that I've had for anything in the world.

Bridgeport VFD- Baddest station in the Nation! Fightin' 18-1 all the way

Rob Taylor
Chief "go-fer"/Command lacky