NVFC/Baskin-Robbins Recognize Junior Firefighters

In order to bring greater attention to the need for youth involvement in the fire service, the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and Baskin-Robbins have identified 27 exemplary junior firefighters from across the nation as America's Favorite Junior Firefighters in conjunction with Baskin-Robbins 31 Cent Scoop Night. Each of these dedicated juniors will receive a certificate of recognition and a year's supply of Baskin-Robbins ice cream. Many will also be recognized in their local Baskin-Robbins store during 31 Cent Scoop Night.

The third annual 31 Cent Scoop Night will be held on April 29 from 5-10pm. During the event, Baskin-Robbins stores will reduce the price of ice cream scoops to 31 cents to honor America's firefighters and provide an opportunity for fire organizations to raise funds at their local store. In addition, Baskin-Robbins will donate $100,000 to the NVFC National Junior Firefighter Program.

"We are excited to recognize these 27 dedicated junior firefighters and Explorers from around the country and bring attention to the importance of connecting youth to the fire service," said NVFC Executive Director Heather Schafer. "We are proud to partner with Baskin-Robbins to support the future of the volunteer fire service -- junior firefighters."

The recipients of the award in alphabetical order are as follows:

Collin Abrams
Upper Makefield Fire Company
Washington Crossing, PA
Collin became a junior firefighter almost four years ago -- just as soon as he was old enough. He is his junior program's Squad Captain. His favorite part of being a junior firefighter is responding to emergencies and helping his community and his department any way he can. After high school, he plans to earn a degree in fire science and public administration and hopes to one day become Chief of his department. Collin's favorite flavor of Baskin-Robbins ice cream is Jamoca.

Shawn Barrett
Hinckley Fire Department
Hinckley, OH
An Explorer for over four years, Shawn is the Vice President of the Hinckley Fire Department Explorer Group. His favorite aspects of being an Explorer are competing in state and local Explorer competitions and participating in fundraising events. He is completing his senior year in a public safety program through his high school and will graduate with firefighter and EMT certifications. His favorite flavor of Baskin-Robbins ice cream is Pumpkin Pie.

Anthony Bons
Vista Fire Department
Vista, CA
Anthony has been an Explorer for over two years and is currently the Squad Leader. His favorite activity in the program is doing drills with the rest of his Explorers. He is currently in college to become a firefighter because he loves to help people. Anthony's favorite flavor of Baskin-Robbins ice cream is Mint Chocolate Chip.

Sam Boyd
Upper Makefield Fire Company
Washington Crossing, PA
Sam has been a junior firefighter for over two years. His favorite activities as a junior firefighter include participating in drills, calls, and spending time at the firehouse. He plans to attend school to become an EMT and serve as a firefighter. His favorite flavor of Baskin-Robbins ice cream is Mint Chocolate Chip.

Justin Brewer
Upper Makefield Fire Company
Washington Crossing, PA
Justin has been a junior firefighter for three years and plans to pursue a career in the public safety field. His favorite part of being a junior firefighter is getting to use all of the tools at the station. Justin's favorite flavor of Baskin-Robbins ice cream is Chocolate.

Daniel Casey
Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department
Elkridge, MD
A junior firefighter for almost five years, Daniel has served as Juniors Captain, Sergeant, Juniors' Board Member, and a member of the Color Guard. His favorite activity as a junior firefighter is going through the maze during rescue drills. He plans to become an active member of his department and eventually serve as a junior firefighter program advisor. Daniel's favorite flavor of Baskin-Robbins ice cream is Chocolate.

Logan Costello
Lafayette Township Fire Department
Chippewa Lake, OH
Logan has been an Explorer for almost two years and is currently the Captain of his junior firefighter program. His favorite activities as an Explorer are running fire calls and helping out the firefighters and EMTs as needed. Logan plans to become a firefighter. His favorite flavor of Baskin-Robbins ice cream is Chocolate.

Miranda Michelle Davis
Oak Grove Volunteer Fire Department
Kings Mountain, NC
Miranda joined her junior firefighter program almost two years ago. Her favorite part of being a junior firefighter is helping her community by responding to calls. After college, she plans to become a volunteer firefighter. Miranda's favorite flavor of Baskin-Robbins ice cream is Vanilla.

Adam Delaney
Vista Fire Department
Vista, CA
Adam is in his first year as an Explorer. His favorite activity as an Explorer is riding along with the crew to get hands-on experience. He plans to go to college and then to fire academy, with a goal of being a firefighter with the Vista Fire Department. He is also the Captain of his high school's Varsity golf team. Adam's favorite flavor of Baskin-Robbins ice cream is Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.

Samantha DeMartin
Great Neck Alert Fire Company
Great Neck, NY
Samantha has been a junior firefighter for over two years. She has held numerous leadership positions in her department, including Financial Secretary and 1st Lieutenant. She plans to join her department as a volunteer firefighter as soon as she turns 17. Samantha is certified in CPR, AED, and Ice-Water Rescue. Samantha's favorite flavor of Baskin-Robbins ice cream is Oreo Cookies and Cream (but the Reese's Sundae is a close second).

Matthew DePledge
Upper Makefield Fire Company
Washington Crossing, PA
Matt has been a junior firefighter for over four years and currently serves as Junior Squad Lieutenant. His favorite activities as a junior firefighter are going on calls, studying to be a firefighter, and helping his friends and the fire company. He plans to have a career in law enforcement and to become a Hazmat Technician. Matt's favorite flavor of Baskin-Robbins ice cream is Vanilla.

Lauren Emmett
Healdsburg Fire Department
Healdsburg, CA
Lauren has been an Explorer for over four years. She is enrolled in junior college where she has taken multiple fire and EMS courses and is on a pre-fire academy academic track. Her favorite part of being a junior firefighter is having the opportunity to help people and make the world a better place. Lauren's favorite flavor of Baskin-Robbins ice cream is Rainbow Sherbet.

Cameron Foister
Monroe County Fire Explore Post No. 30
Madisonville, TN
Cameron has been an Explorer for two years. His favorite activities as an Explorer are ropes and knots, rolling up hoses, and ladder training. He hopes to become a career firefighter as well as a volunteer firefighter. Cameron's favorite flavor of Baskin-Robbins ice cream is Cookies and Cream.

Alex Hayes
Pleasant View Volunteer Fire Department
Pleasant View, TN
Alex, an honor roll student, joined his Explorer program in 2008. His favorite activity as a junior firefighter is running calls. He plans to pursue a career as a firefighter. Alex's favorite flavor of Baskin-Robbins ice cream is Chocolate. Colby Randall Heffner
Cherryville Fire Department
Cherryville, NC
Colby has been a junior firefighter for over two years. His favorite thing about being a junior is having his own turnout gear and getting hands-on experience at the fire department. After high school, Colby plans to pursue a degree in Fire Science to become a Fire Chief or an arson investigator. His favorite flavor of Baskin-Robbins ice cream is French Vanilla.

Adam Hurt
Pleasant View Volunteer Fire Department
Pleasant View, TN
Adam joined his Explorer program in 2008. His favorite part of being a junior firefighter is helping with truck maintenance. He plans to have a career as a firefighter or EMT. He is an honor roll student and was named Student of the Year in 2006. Adam's favorite flavor of Baskin-Robbins ice cream is Cookies and Cream.

Kara Lehr
Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department
Elkridge, MD
Kara has been a junior firefighter for over four years. She has served as her junior program's Juniors Fire Chief, Captain, Sergeant, Juniors' Board Member, and as a member of the Color Guard. She plans to continue her service by becoming an active member of the department, getting EMT certification, and eventually serving as a junior firefighter program advisor. Kara's favorite flavor of Baskin-Robbins ice cream is Chocolate. Casey McAlister
Monroe County Fire Explorer Post #30
Madisonville, TN
Casey has been an Explorer since August 2007 and is the President of Monroe County Fire Explorer Post #30. He plans to serve as volunteer firefighter after graduation. Casey's favorite flavors of Baskin-Robbins ice cream are Reese's Peanut Butter Cup and Old Fashioned Butter Pecan.

Henrietta McDonald
East Norwich Volunteer Fire Company
East Norwich, NY
Henrietta joined her junior firefighter program over two years ago. She is the 1st Lieutenant in her program as well as the Secretary of the Nassau County Junior Firefighters Association. Henrietta's favorite flavor of Baskin-Robbins ice cream is Chocolate. Jerry Presta
East Norwich Volunteer Fire Company
East Norwich, NY
A junior firefighter for over four years, Jerry is Captain of his junior firefighter program. With the help of another junior firefighter Jerry organized a local blood drive. He plans to take classes to be a paramedic and one day become a doctor. He loves all community service projects. Jerry's favorite flavor of Baskin-Robbins ice cream is Vanilla with rainbow sprinkles.

Tanner Pritchett
Pleasant View Volunteer Fire Department
Pleasant View, TN
Tanner has been an Explorer for a year. His favorite activities as a junior firefighter are going on calls, learning about personal protective equipment and air packs, and attending the annual picnic and parade. He is an honor roll student and was selected "Most Likely to Succeed" in his 8th grade class. Tanner's favorite flavor of Baskin-Robbins ice cream is Vanilla.

Mike Serna Vista Fire Department Vista, CA Mike is in his first year as an Explorer. He is a certified first responder and has certification in first aid and CPR. His favorite part about being an Explorer is the opportunity to interact and go on ride-alongs with firefighters. Mike's favorite flavor of Baskin-Robbins ice cream is Chocolate.

Eric Smith
Healdsburg Fire Department
Healdsburg, CA
An Explorer for nearly two years, Eric wants to become a volunteer firefighter when he turns 18 this fall. After graduating from high school, he plans to attend college to study fire science and to pursue a degree in Public Administration. He intends to become a career firefighter after college and hopes to one day become Chief. Eric's favorite flavor of Baskin-Robbins ice cream is Mint Chocolate Chip.

Michael Simon
Lafayette Township Fire Department
Chippewa Lake, OH
Michael joined his junior program in September 2007 and is now the Chief of the Lafayette Township Fire Cadets. His favorite activities as a junior firefighter are running on emergency calls and participating in trainings such as Ice Rescue and Search & Rescue. He plans to become a full-time firefighter and paramedic. Michael's favorite flavor of Baskin-Robbins ice cream is Chocolate Chip.

Andrew Starbard
Holden Fire Department
Holden, MA
Andrew has been an Explorer for over four years. He has served as Battalion Chief and as Explorer Post Chief. He enjoys all aspects of training as an Explorer, including firefighting, EMT, wilderness survival, and search and rescue. Andrew's favorite flavor of Baskin-Robbins ice cream is Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.

Amanda Summers
Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department
Elkridge, MD
Amanda was a junior firefighter for over six and a half years. She has served her junior firefighter program as Juniors' Board of Directors President, Board Vice-President, Lieutenant, Sergeant, and as a member of the Color Guard. Her favorite activity as a junior firefighter was learning about ladders. As a junior, Amanda helped develop guidelines for the juniors program. She is now an active member of the Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department. Her favorite flavor of Baskin-Robbins ice cream is Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.

Tyler Wolf
Vista Fire Department
Vista, CA
Tyler has been an Explorer for three years. He is a senior in high school and is already taking college courses so that he can complete his education early. After college, Tyler plans to attend the fire academy.. He has received awards for perfect attendance, school honor roll, and MVP in track. Tyler's favorite flavor of Baskin-Robbins ice cream is Jamoca.