Friday, October 16, 2026
For a group of young Oceanside residents, learning about the fire service means more than sitting in a classroom. It means training alongside firefighters, marching in parades, helping at community events and learning what it takes to serve their hometown.
The Oceanside Fire Department Junior Firefighter Program gives young men and women ages 14 to 17 an opportunity to experience the fire service firsthand while developing skills in teamwork, discipline and leadership.
The Juniors receive classroom instruction and hands-on training in basic firefighting skills under the supervision of adult members of the Oceanside Fire Department. They also take an active role in Department events and functions and represent Oceanside at local, Nassau County and state parades.
That commitment was on full display this year when the Oceanside Fire Department hosted the Nassau County Firefighters Association Parade as part of the America 250 celebration.
Oceanside’s Junior Firefighters took first place in both the Second Battalion and Nassau County overall.
The Juniors also represented the community at the New York State Firefighters Association Parade in South Hempstead and Hempstead.
For Junior Firefighter Captain Liam Klein, the program has offered an opportunity to experience the fire service in a way that goes beyond watching family members serve.
“It’s great. You get to meet new friends and experience so many different things,” Klein said. “I come from a firefighting family, so I’ve always seen my dad and grandpa involved in the fire service. It’s one thing to see them and hear them talk about it, but when you train, march and go to events, you experience it firsthand.”
Klein serves as captain of the Junior membership alongside 1st Lieutenant TJ Badalamenti and 2nd Lieutenant Cora Harpur. The group meets at Department headquarters at 65 Foxhurst Road under the advisement of senior members.
Former Captain Paul Facella, an adviser to the Junior Firefighter Program, said the young members are treated as part of the larger Department.
“We try to have the young people in our Juniors Program understand that they are a part of the Department, and the general membership views them as such,” Facella said.
Chief Sean B. Lynch said the program also serves an important role in introducing young people to the fire service and potentially encouraging the next generation of volunteer firefighters.
“The Junior Firefighter Program is an important tool for recruitment,” Lynch said. “It gives young people the opportunity to learn the basics of the fire service and understand what it takes to serve their community.”
Lynch said the Juniors have represented Oceanside with pride throughout the year, particularly during the Nassau County parade and America 250 celebration.
“Our Juniors have represented Oceanside extremely well, and we are very proud of them,” he said.
Young men and women ages 14 to 17 who are interested in learning more about the program can pick up an application packet at Oceanside Fire Department headquarters, call 516-766-2717, contact the Department through Facebook or Instagram, or email juniors@oceansidefd.net.
