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FALCONER -- The Falconer Fire Department had a busy 2023 by all accounts.
Logging numerous calls for service, the filing of mutual-aid requests from adjoining agencies and the complete revamping of its junior firefighter's program were just a few of the items that were highlighted by Chief Bryce Webster during a recent Falconer Village Village meeting.
"As a department, we've responded to more than 839 calls, logged more than 3,475 manpower hours responding to requests for assistance -- not including training hours as of December 2023," Webster said.
These impressive numbers were not lost on some of the village's trustees and leadership.
"Chief, we owe you and your department a debt of gratitude," said Mayor James Jaroszynski. "This is a volunteer fire department, and putting up these numbers is amazing."
Additionally, the chief also spoke about the revamping of its junior firefighters program.
"We've taken the junior firefighters program and put it directly under our control," he said. "It was under the Boys Scouts of America for a while, but it wasn't a good fit. We can do more with the kids -- teaching, training, mentoring and more hand-on stuff like using the ladders and rolling out the lines. Also, we require our junior firefighters to maintain a C average in school, and they must attend school regularly with little or no discipline issues."
Moreover, there's other additional benefits for teenagers to join a program like what the Falconer Fire Department is offering in its junior firefighters program.
"This program teaches teenagers respect, responsibility and civic duty. You can learn and earn some certifications and licenses like emergency medical technician while still in high school and see if you like fire service. This is a way for young people to not only serve, but to invest back in their community."
The requirements for joining the Falconer junior firefighter program are straightforward.
"Prospective recruits must be 14-years and older, must maintain a C average, be willing to meet with department officials and parents prior to joining and have a willingness to learn and serve, and must reside in the village," the chief said.