During a recent meeting, members of the local fire club discussed their ongoing efforts to engage students in firefighting and emergency response training. Fire Chief Donald Leschko from Hazelton attended the meeting, highlighting the importance of collaboration between departments and inviting club members for a tour of their training facility later this month.

The club has made significant strides in promoting firefighting as a viable career path for students. They have successfully relocated a shed for training purposes, thanks to community support from local businesses like Mallsdale Towing and Recovery and Carriage Manor Builders, which donated materials for repairs. The club has also organized hands-on training sessions, allowing students to learn essential skills such as setting up hose lines and connecting to hydrants.

A key focus of the meeting was the need to integrate firefighting curriculum into local high schools. Currently, students must complete 200 hours of classroom training to qualify for firefighting roles, which can be challenging to balance with academic and extracurricular commitments. The club aims to streamline this process, making it easier for students to gain certifications while still in school.

The meeting also addressed the broader challenges facing volunteer fire departments in the region, particularly the struggle to maintain adequate staffing levels. Chief Leschko shared alarming statistics about the volunteer shortage, noting that some departments are unable to respond to calls due to a lack of personnel. This issue underscores the urgency of attracting young people to the fire service.

In addition to training and recruitment efforts, the club has been active in community outreach, participating in local events like the Montour DeLong Fair to raise awareness about volunteer firefighting. The involvement of local officials, including State Fire Commissioner Tom Cook and Senator Linda Culver, has further bolstered support for the club's initiatives.

As the club continues to grow—adding nine new members this school year, primarily freshmen—there is a strong emphasis on fostering a sense of community and mentorship among students. The hope is that by providing students with the necessary training and support, they will not only pursue careers in firefighting but also contribute to the safety and well-being of their communities.