Junior Program

The Mt. Penn Fire Co #1 is a well known fire company throughout the County of Berks. The Mt Penn Fire Co #1 was established on January 27th, 1906. The junior firefighter program was set up in late 1974 to teach the next generation of firefighters how to become a well trained part of our team. Our junior program teaches members self-respect, respect to others, teamwork and allows them to become an integral part of the community. Many of our members have started out as Junior Firefighters and worked their way up through the ranks. Mt. Penn Fire Co. has had great success with the junior program in the past years and would like to have you as part of the Fire Department.

Did you know that at the age of 14 you can become a junior firefighter? Junior firefighters play a major role in the fire service. They assist the senior firefighters with getting tools, getting water to the fire trucks, and throwing ladders to the building.

Membership Requirements

• At least 14 years of age
• A resident & currently enrolled in the Antietam or Exeter School district
• Maintaining a “C” average or higher in school with no failing grades
• A signed note from your parent/ legal guardian giving you permission to participate with the fire company
• Working papers obtained from the high school main office
• Completed fire company application

Reasons to join the Mt. Penn Fire Co. Junior Program.

• Community service hours needed to graduate
• Builds your resume for job opportunities and colleges
• Meet a great group of people and make a lot of new friends
• Experiences that will help you through adventures in life
• Training to become a senior firefighter
• Public events such as: Christmas Dinners, Cookouts at the firehouse, National Night Out, Fire Prevention, and more

Company equipment that will be issued to you from the Mt. Penn Fire Co.

• Morning Pride Bunker Coat
• Morning Pride Bunker Pants
• Pro Fire Boots
• Firefighting Hood
• Dragon Fire Structural Firefighting Gloves
• Ben II Firefighting Helmet with Junior Firefighter Front Piece
• Fire Pager and Charger

Participation Hours Allowed by the PA Child Labor Law:

Junior Firefighters Ages 14 and 15

During the School Year

• Fire company activities are prohibited while school is in session and between the hours 7PM and 7AM.
• Participation times may be extended to 10PM  with a written consent from your parent or legal guardian.

During Summer Vacation or school breaks (Christmas, Easter etc)

• Fire company activity is prohibited between 10PM and 7AM.

 Junior Firefighters Ages 16 and 17

During the School Year

• Fire company activities are prohibited while school is in session and between the hours of 12AM and 6AM.
• May Participate in Fire Company Activities until 1AM if:
  • Friday night into Saturday Morning
  • Saturday night into Sunday Morning
  • The Night Before a School Holiday

During Summer Vacation there are no time restrictions( 24 Hours a Day)

Note: Sixteen and seventeen year old junior members of an emergency service organization, who begin operations at an emergency incident prior to their curfew, are permitted to continue activities after their allotted time until excused by the fire chief or officer-in-charge. These juniors will not be considered in violation of the “hours of employment” section of the PA Child Labor Law (Act 1915, P.L. 286, No. 177).

For More Information contact:
Deputy Chief-John Eisenhard–610-413-2551 or jdeisenhard@mtpennfire1.com