Seven St. Regis Falls Central School District students have answered the call to public service as junior firefighters with their local departments, inspiring classmates to get involved.
Currently, sophomore Elijah White and David Hart and Sheamus Hastings, both juniors, serve with the Dickinson Volunteer Fire Department and juniors Brian Shantie, Daniel Bailey and Jaiden Franze, and Colden Davis, a senior, serve with the St. Regis Falls Volunteer Fire Department.
Service to the community is a major theme within the district, and these student volunteers model teamwork, responsibility and a commitment to public safety.
Many of the junior firefighters say their interest started at home.
Hart grew up around emergency response. His father is a state trooper and his brother is a firefighter.
White said joining the department was a natural step once he turned 16.
“My dad has been in the department for about 30 years,” White said. “I grew up hanging around the fire station, so joining the squad was an easy decision.”
Shantie said he first helped out around the station and learned as much as he could before joining.
“I’ve been in a spot where my house was on fire,” Shantie said. “Everyone was there to help, and I want to do the same for others. Everyone gets along, and it makes you feel needed. It’s a great feeling to help people.”
Students serve as junior firefighters until age 18, when they become eligible for full firefighter status.
Two district staff members also serve in leadership positions within local departments, Athletic Director Wilbur Bailey is chief of the St. Regis Falls Volunteer Fire Department, and building maintenance worker Richard Fountain Jr. is chief of the Dickinson Volunteer Fire Department.
The junior firefighters recently visited classrooms in full gear to talk with students about community involvement and emergency services.
“Outreach is important because younger students might not know what they’re interested in yet,” Hart said. “If they see us in uniform and have questions, we can answer them. And if we ever go to their homes on a call, familiar faces might make the situation less scary.”
“Firefighting isn’t for everyone,” Shantie said. “But if students are exposed to it early, it might spark an interest.”
White added, “Our fellow students live within our districts. “If we show up at their house during an emergency, they know we’re there to help.”
Junior firefighters participate in community events, attend funerals for current and former members, work chicken barbecues to raise funds for equipment and upgrades, and take part in annual banquets that recognize commitment to their departments.
White said he understands some families may be hesitant about the risks, but local departments prioritize safety for their youth members.
“Chiefs and experienced members never put us in situations where we feel unsafe,” he said. “Our departments are strict about policies and making sure everyone returns home safely.”
Many of the students plan to continue serving their communities after graduation, whether as firefighters, in law enforcement or in healthcare fields.
They encourage anyone interested to stop by their local fire station on Monday nights to meet members and see the equipment. After applying, new members complete a six-month probationary period.
