Although many might know the Clinton Fire Department for keeping our town safe, there is an opportunity that needs to be better known called the Junior Division, a program in which high school students can learn their passion for fighting fires in a controlled and monitored environment.

The Clinton Fire Department is overseen by Fire Chief, Brian A. Manware. He also works with Mike Neff, the Deputy Chief Of Fire for the Clinton Volunteer Fire Department. But it wouldn’t be possible without those who volunteer, such as Lieutenant and Junior in The Morgan School, Andrew Brown.

Firefighter volunteers such as Brown, between the ages of 14 to 17, are required to get an EMR (Emergency Medical Responders) or EMT (Emergency Medical Technicians) license so they can respond to medical or fire situations. The Junior Division is a program aimed at promising people an introduction to this kind of career. The program provides a head start on a career path, helping young adults to learn CPR, first aid, and firefighting techniques including prevention.

When students enter the program, they are assigned titles such as Technician, Paramedic, and Engineer. Some of their jobs are to restock and clean. They’re also in charge of replacing things such as water, clothes, and anything that could make the Firefighters’ job easier. But no matter what, working for the fire department as a Junior means being responsible for going to campaigns and community service events.

Even though there are many plus sides, it isn’t guaranteed it will be right for the individual who joins. “It could be mentally draining,” Lieutenant Andrew Brown stated. It’s about doing the difficult job of helping others before yourself. Which can be a handful if you’re not passionate or determined.

The idea of having a Junior Division isn’t solely unique to Clinton. Juniors can also be found in neighboring towns like Old Saybrook and Westbrook. None of this would be possible if the staff, like Mike Neff, were not determined to teach the next generation.

They do this, because for many of them, it was done for them. Mike Neff, who is now a long time fire fighter, was a member of the Junior Division in his youth, starting when he was only 15 years old and a sophomore at Morgan.

“I can personally say that it was one of the better decisions I made in my life,” said Neff. He expresses how much the Junior Division has helped him.

Anyone interested in joining the Junior Division can reach out to the Clinton Fire Department.

Clinton Fire Department Number: (860)-669-8131
Website: https://clintonct.org/152/Fire-Emergency-Medical-Services
Brian A. Manware’s Email: [email protected]