BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

POTSDAM — Area youth interested in firefighting will have an opportunity to gain hands-on experience during the St. Lawrence County Youth in the Fire Service Day Saturday, Aug. 22.

The event is open to youth ages 12 to 18 and will run from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the St. Lawrence County Fire Training Center, 45 Blanchard Road.

Junior Firefighters, RAMS (Restricted Active Members)  and Explorers (Fire & EMS Career Exploring) are invited to participate in a day of hands-on training and activities designed to build skills and encourage continued interest in firefighting. Breakfast, lunch and hydration will be provided.

Those interested in participating should register here.

“The purpose is to give Junior Firefighters, RAMS, and Explorers hands-on experience and continue their interest in being a firefighter,” said Karin Blackburn, chair of the event.

The event is part of an ongoing effort to provide young firefighters with practical training and exposure to different aspects of the fire service. 

The St. Lawrence County Fire Chiefs Association, Firefighters Association of the State of New York and Northern New York Volunteer Firemen’s Association have previously partnered on the event. 

Blackburn said participants are already Junior Firefighters, RAMS or Explorers, and the event provides them with additional opportunities to develop their skills and remain involved in the fire service. Those who attend have continued on as members of their local departments.

The day's activities will begin with registration and breakfast at 7:30 a.m., followed by introductions at 8:30 a.m. At 9 a.m., participants will take part in map and compass orienteering with Stephen Ellis, a New York State Forest Ranger.

At 10 a.m., Nick Rolley of Tupper Lake Fire Department will lead advancing-line-to-targets training. A Taser and drone demonstration with Adam Clark of the Canton Police Department will follow at 11 a.m.

Lunch will be provided at noon.

The afternoon will feature TIMS training with UCV1 at 1 p.m., led by Rick Rusaw of St. Lawrence County Emergency Services, followed by extrication training with rescue at 2 p.m. with Erik Johnson of Canton Fire Department. The day's activities will conclude with waterball at 4 p.m.

The Youth in the Fire Service program has been held annually in St. Lawrence County, with previous events featuring hands-on exercises such as hose advancement, Mayday simulations, rope rescue, firefighter-down CPR and large-area search procedures.