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High‑school volunteer firefighter urges county to expand and better advertise junior member program
Summary
A graduating high‑school senior and volunteer firefighter told commissioners the county’s junior member program provides meaningful community connection and recommended broader outreach and bylaws review to expand access for youth in unincorporated areas.
Lucas Robbins, a recent high‑school graduate and volunteer firefighter with El Dorado Fire and Rescue, told the Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners that the county’s junior member program had a substantial personal impact and recommended the county expand and better advertise the program.
Robbins said he began volunteering at 16 and described the program as “a source of meaning and purpose” that helped him feel connected to community life in a county with a median age near 50. He asked the county fire department to analyze how junior member roles could be expanded and made more accessible across volunteer districts and proposed exploring a city–county partnership to offer comparable opportunities for youth within city limits.
Robbins said his service produced practical benefits for El Dorado Fire and Rescue — providing additional hands for emergency responses — and helped shape his plans to enroll in Georgetown University and pursue EMT training. He recommended that the county consider revising bylaws and increasing outreach so more youth can participate.
Commissioners thanked Robbins for his service. The board did not take formal action during the meeting. Robbins’ remarks were made during the public comment period and were received for the record.
