'Trial by Fire' highlights need for next generation of volunteers

It’s one thing to sprint the length of a gym floor in a relay race. It’s another to do it while dragging a heavily weighted mannequin used in firefighting training drills to simulate a downed firefighter or unconscious smoke inhalation victim.

That was just one of the challenges awaiting students at John Jay High School, where four local volunteer fire departments transformed the gym into a firefighting training ground for “Trial by Fire,” a dynamic two-day initiative designed to spark students’ interest in becoming volunteer firefighters.

After taking part in firefighting techniques and simulated emergency response drills, several students said they couldn’t wait to tell their parents about the experience and discuss joining the volunteer fire department in their district. Nearly all agreed the unconventional gym class was far more exhausting than they expected.

“I think the best part was learning what firefighters really have to go through and how difficult it is both physically and mentally,” said JJHS sophomore Charlotte Ball. “The hardest part was dragging the ‘bodies’ because it was a lot of weight.”

“You have to have stamina,” added sophomore Isaiah Dawkins. “Firefighters make it look easy, but at the end of the day this is really challenging.”

“It was a super-upbeat experience to be around all that energy from the students, teachers and firefighters,” said Golden’s Bridge Fire Department Engine Company Lt. Saurabh Mehta. “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 said the program also left an impression on the firefighters who volunteered their time.

“It is inspiring to be part of a program that is reaching out to the next generation of volunteer firefighters,” he said. “It was rewarding for all firefighters who participated, knowing we left an impression on these young people. This experience left me hopeful about the future of the volunteer fire service.”

In addition to the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department, firefighters from the Katonah, South Salem and Vista fire departments rearranged their work schedules to participate in the youth outreach program, which has become an important recruitment tool for all four departments.

“Trial by Fire is a great example of what makes the volunteer fire service so strong — multiple departments coming together with a shared goal of engaging and inspiring the next generation,” said Vista Fire Chief Jeff Peck. “By bringing this experience into the high school, we’re not only educating students about what we do, but also showing them there’s a place for them in their local fire departments. Outreach is critical to building the future of the volunteer fire service.”

From 2008 to 2023, volunteer fire departments across the United States lost nearly 25 percent of their members. In New York, the decline has exceeded the national average, with some areas experiencing a 40 percent drop in recent years. That trend motivated Laurie DeRosa, a firefighter and former captain with the Katonah Fire Department, to create the Trial by Fire initiative three years ago.

“Recruitment and retention are a constant challenge,” said DeRosa, who has been with the KFD for nearly eight years and leads its 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 serving the community and helping others — and that’s the reward. We bring the firefighting experience directly to high school students so they can see and hear firsthand what it’s like to be a firefighter.”

“The South Salem Fire Department was pleased to work together with our neighboring departments at this year’s Trial by Fire to inspire young people to volunteer and serve their community,” said SSFD Fire Chief Matthew Yorke. “They are the future first responders.”

The centerpiece of the two-day program was a series of high-intensity, fast-paced, multi-station challenges that combined simulated emergency response with firefighting training techniques. In addition to dragging weighted training mannequins across the gym floor, students tested their strength, agility and endurance by suiting up in approximately 65 pounds of firefighting gear, including an air pack, while hauling an uncoiled fire hose up and down the bleacher stairs.

Not every challenge relied on physical strength. One drill focused on problem-solving and communication skills.

“Trial by Fire gave our students a powerful, hands-on look at the physical and mental demands faced by first responders,” said Chris McCarthy, JJHS director of athletics and wellness. “Experiences like this go beyond traditional physical education. They help students develop confidence, problem-solving skills and a deeper appreciation for careers centered on service.”

For JJHS freshman Chase Nevins, dragging the weighted mannequin proved to be the toughest challenge, but one well worth the effort.

“I learned how hard it is to be a firefighter and how important it is to work as a team,” he said.

Students left the experience with a new appreciation for the demands firefighters face during 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.