By:Jacky Gerzema
For anyone who has ever said "I want to be a firefighter when I grow up," the Baldwin Junior Fire Department is a jump-start in the right direction. The Baldwin Fire Department is backed by this team of future firefighters who provide support and assistance during emergencies and who are learning and preparing for a future volunteer career in fire fighting.
Junior department Captain Thomas Yanantuono, whose father Paul is a fire commissioner, said he joined the Juniors because he wants to eventually become a volunteer firefighter for the Hose 1 Headquarters. Thomas said that not only does he learn a lot and get experience by practicing drills and other activities, he also has a lot of fun hanging out with friends and has many opportunities to meet new people.
"I strongly suggest joining the Juniors to other people who have an interest in fire fighting," Thomas said.
Paul Yanantuono said that he feels his son has gained leadership experience and learned the value of teamwork through the Junior Fire Department. "I think it has made him a little more mature at his age because it gives him a lot of responsibility," the elder Yanantuono said.
Thomas added that recent deaths of three New York City firemen, who were killed in Queens, did not deter him from pursuing firefighting in the future. "I feel badly about what happened; my dad knew them," He said. "But this actually makes me go on with what I'm doing even further."
Thomas said there's even more of a challenge in firefighting when a firefighter realizes what kinds of obstacles he or she can face and possibly overcome.
The Junior department is open to males and females from the ages of 14-18. Most people join at the age of 14 and after being with the Juniors for 3 years, can go directly into the Fire Department when they turn 18, said Juniors advisor Melissa Ann Biscay. Junior members have the advantage of joining the fire department a year earlier than any non member who has to be 19 or older to join, she added.
Like the main department, the Junior department has its own officers line that consists of Thomas, First Lieutenant Jimmy Carl, Second Lieutenant Kevin Anderson and Secretary/Treasurer Samantha Cools.
"About 80 percent of Juniors become members of the Fire Department," said Tom Brown, third assistant Chief of the Baldwin Fire Department. "Some of them go on to become paid New York City firefighters or EMS."
The Yanatuono's are just one example of the long tradition of Baldwin fire fighter's children joining the Juniors. However, Biscay added that although many of the teens are family, the Juniors are open to all.
Secretary/Treasurer Samantha Cools said she joined because her grandfather and father have both served in the fire department. "I definitely tell other people to join; I'm trying to get some of my friends in it now," she said. "It's a great way to not only learn about firefighting but to make friends and do a lot of fun things as well."
Members of the Junior department learn basic fire fighting skills, basic fire prevention activities, CPR and first aid among many other things, Biscay said.
The Juniors participate in drills at least once or twice a month with one of the seven different department companies including Hose 1-4, Truck 1, Ladder 2 and First Aid.
The Juniors have additional benefits as well. Biscay said she takes them on many field trips to places such as the Fire Museum and Rockefeller Center. They also participate in parades and join in department events and activities such as softball and racing.
"I'm not kidding when I say it's a huge family," Biscay said. "We all have a lot of fun, but they [Juniors] also know when to get serious. They will put everything aside for the department and the community whenever needed."
Brown said former Juniors are a big asset to the department due to their extensive knowledge and training.
"Without a doubt, they definitely bring a lot to their jobs in the fire department because they've had hands-on experience and know a lot about what is going on," Brown said.
A big problem the Junior Fire Department faces now is too few members.
"One of the best assets to the Fire Department is to have a good Junior department to pick from, and right now we have a limited choice," Brown said.
Any male or female between the ages of 14 and 17 can join the Junior Firefighters. Those interested in joining the Junior Fire Department or obtaining further information can contact the Baldwin Fire Department at 516-223-6858.
