March 15--DREXEL -- Corey Hefner needed an activity to build leadership. Chris Benfield wants to get a head start on a career in law enforcement.
The two participate in the Junior Firefighter Program at Drexel Fire Department.
"It feels good to know you are part of a group that helps save lives," Benfield said.
Benfield, 15 and a Draughn High School sophomore, joined the Junior Firefighter Program at the Drexel Fire Department with friends. He said since he has been involved, the program has allowed him to help others.
"It's good to know you are helping the community and environment," he said.
Combining real situations and training, the Junior Firefighter Program prepares young men and women, ages 15 to 17 for a career as a firefighter they can start as soon as they turn 18. Currently, the Drexel Fire Department has seven junior firefighters.
"The ones we've got now want to be professional firefighters," said Chris Brown, secretary and treasurer of the Drexel Fire Department and the advisor to the Junior Firefighter program. Additionally, Brown is an assistant chief of Burke County Rescue Squad and oversees the Junior Rescue Squad program.
Benfield participates in the Junior Rescue Squad program as well as the Junior Firefighter Program.
Through the Junior Firefighter Program, he will be able to participate in classes and take tests.
"The ones that are 16 and above can do the classes and tests on anything except live fire burning," Brown said.
The classes and tests include lessons on fire alarms and communication, forcible entry, portable fire extinguishers and other lessons on the how-tos of firefighting.
"I've learned a tremendous amount of stuff," Benfield said.
Hefner has participated in the Junior Firefighter Program for six months. His involvement helps him prepare for the Marine Corps, which he will join in August.
The 17-year-old plans to become a volunteer firefighter after his tenure in the Marines.
He said the best part of the program is following the example of the leaders at Drexel Fire Department.
"As far as leadership goes," Hefner said, "It helps a lot with that. That's what the military is about."
He said he enjoys being able to help in situations he might not get to help with otherwise.
"Really and truly, we are a liability," he said. "I think it's really cool the officers are willing to put on the program for us."
For more information on the Junior Firefighter Program at the Drexel Fire Department, call 828-437-7421.
Copyright 2013 - The News Herald, Morganton, N.C.
