HARRISBURG – The PA House approved a bill allowing junior firefighters, aged 17, to train on live-burn, interior firefighter modules. Currently, only people age 18 and older are allowed to enroll in the training program. To participate in live burns, junior firefighters would need their parent or guardian’s permission as well as the permission of their local fire chief. The training would be completed under the instruction of a credentialed PA State Fire Academy instructor. Bill sponsor, Fayette County Sen. Pat Stefano said given the increasing difficulties fire companies have in recruiting and retaining volunteers, we have to capitalize on the interest young people have rather than barring them from completing the training for activity that attracted them in the first place. Senate Bill 1027 now moves to the governor’s desk for final approval.
SEN. PAT STEFANO