Over the weekend, West Pierce Fire & Rescue (WPFR) hosted its annual Youth Academy program. Local high school students who live or attend school in Lakewood, University Place and Steilacoom learned about careers in the fire service through this two-day, hands-on program. WPFR’s Youth Academy empowers teens to build life skills and relationships, while introducing them to the fire service as they start thinking beyond graduation.
Over the course of the two days, participants in the Youth Academy completed various modules, teaching them an array of fundamental firefighter skills at WPFR’s training grounds on Steilacoom Boulevard in Lakewood. Instructors were WPFR personnel, covering topics such as personal protective equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus, search and rescue, basic hose, engine and ladder truck company operations, ladders, vehicle extrication and emergency medical services.
The 2023 Youth Academy class graduated on June 20th in front of the Board of Fire Commissioners, who recognized them for their hard work. Congratulations, Youth Academy class of 2023!
This is great! I was fortunate to be a 1998/1999 graduate of the PCPD/LPD volunteer program. I was so pleased with the instructors and content of the programs, the 1st & advanced program. With this article I feel gratification that the suggestions from the “adults” to take this program to younger people AND to include the Fire/Rescue programs.
If we continue to follow this example and reach out to the next generations, how great is this this to help teens and those who follow, if we don’t have an avenue to reach out to ALL younger people, in “trouble lives” or not. GREAT JOB PIERCE COUNTY.