JJHS students get crash course in firefighting

Students drag a weighted mannequin, similar to one used in fire rescue training, the length of the John Jay High School gym and back to simulate the rescue of a downed firefighter and unconscious victim of smoke inhalation.  KATONAH-LEWISBORO SCHOOLS PHOTOs

Four local volunteer fire departments recently converted the gym at John Jay High School into a firefighting training ground known as “Trial by Fire,” a  two-day initiative designed to spark the interest of students in becoming volunteer firefighters. Students participated in firefighting training techniques and simulated emergency response. 

Firefighters from the Goldens Bridge, Katonah, South Salem and Vista fire departments led the outreach program, which has become an important recruitment tool for their departments. 

From 2008 to 2023, volunteer fire services across the U.S. lost nearly 25% of its members. Some states, like New York, exceed the national average and have experienced a 40% decrease in recent years. That’s what motivated Laurie DeRosa, a firefighter and ex-captain of the Katonah Fire Department, to create the Trial by Fire initiative three years ago. 

Students simulate training drills as part of the two-day "Trial by Fire" program led by volunteers from four fire companies.

 “Recruitment and retention are a constant challenge,” said DeRosa, who heads the department’s recruitment and retention efforts. “We introduce students to what we do as firefighters. We don’t get paid, but we work hard because we are part of a team that’s serving the community and helping others — and that’s the reward. We bring the firefighting experience to high school students so they can see and hear directly from us what it’s like to be a firefighter.” 

Engine Company Lt. Saurabh Mehta of the Goldens Bridge Fire Department said,  “It was a super-upbeat experience to be around all that energy of the students, teachers and firefighters. Some of the students were apprehensive, but with our instruction, coaching and encouragement, their uneasiness turned into enthusiasm and curiosity. They worked hard to complete the challenges.“ Mehta, a six-year firefighter with the GBFD, added, “This experience left me hopeful about the future of the volunteer fire services.” 

The centerpiece of the two-day Trial by Fire initiative was a series of high-intensity, fast-paced, multi-station challenges that incorporated simulated emergency response with firefighting training and techniques. In addition to dragging weighted “unconscious” training mannequins across the gym floor, the strength, agility and endurance of the students were tested in a drill that had them suited up in fire gear, including an air pack, all weighing approximately 65 pounds, while hauling an uncoiled fire hose up and down the bleacher stairs. One of the drills also tested the students’ problem-solving and communications skills.

JJHS freshman Chase Nevins said dragging the weighted dummy was the hardest drill, but it was worth every minute of this unique opportunity. “I learned how hard it is to be a firefighter and how important it is to work as a team,” he  said.

Students came away from the experience with a better appreciation of what firefighters are up against in real emergencies. “It was a lot of fun and it made me realize more about what firefighters have to do every day,” said JJHS freshman Aiden Wesley.