TOWAMENCIN – Do you need a volunteer position for a group or club at North Penn? Lucky for you, our local community is in need of volunteer firefighters.

First responders serve a very important role in protecting and serving the North Penn community. You may not be aware that if you are in high school, you are eligible to volunteer as a firefighter. You can join the squad and become a junior member at 16 years old. Don’t let the image of running into burning buildings deter you from volunteering. There are plenty of ways to get involved including administration, fundraising, special events coordinating, and more. In addition to firefighters, Towamencin Fire Company is actively looking for people to be a part of their station’s administrative sector for their upcoming election.  

Firefighter Sam Clemmer has been a volunteer firefighter for over a decade. He trains high school students who join the program. While it does take a big chunk of your time, Clemmer recommends it to anyone who is interested. He works and trains with a lot of high school students. 

“I’ll match your time,” Clemmer said. 

He puts in the same amount of effort as you do. So if you’re putting in 110%, he’ll do the same. 

With all of the opportunities for high school kids, how could you not want to take part? Pennsylvania just passed an ordinance allowing 17-year-olds to take final structure burns, which for a long time you had to be 18 to do. The final burns test takes place after you’ve finished at the academy. 

“The building is specially designed for burning,” Clemmer explained. “You have to go in and do these certain evolutions.”

Volunteer firefighting is the perfect opportunity for high schoolers who are looking to go into the field, military, or even if they just want to learn the skills. You could learn so many life skills from firefighting. Along with life skills, you can also get certifications such as CPR and EMT, which is especially useful if you want to become a doctor, nurse, or paramedic. 

Being a volunteer firefighter means you belong to this tight-knit community. 

All volunteer fire stations are in need of more volunteers so if you’re interested, visit your local fire station. If you are interested in the Towamencin Township Fire Company, you can visit their “A” station on Bustard Rd. They have meetings every Thursday starting around 7-7:30 PM. 

“Just come out,” Clemmer said.