| Gym classes at John Jay High School turned into a hands-on introduction to volunteer firefighting as students strapped on heavy gear, hauled hoses up bleachers and dragged 185-pound dummies across the court.
The annual "Trial by Fire" event, run by the four fire departments serving the Katonah Lewisboro area of northern Westchester, is designed to show teens the physical demands and teamwork involved in volunteer service.
"I thought it was going to be really easy but then I actually did it and now I'm sweating," student Ava Dennis said.
Another student, Isiah Dawkins, added, "Firefighters make it look easy but at the end of the day this is really challenging for some people."
Organizers said the goal is to spark interest in a field that has seen declining volunteer numbers nationwide.
"Introducing students to the idea that, hey, this is what we do, we don't get paid and we work hard, but we're a part of a team, and that's fun," said Laurie DeRosa of the Katonah Fire Department.
The event is now in its third year, and local departments say it has helped boost recruitment. "We currently have nine probationary members," said Lt. Saurabh Mehta of the Goldens Bridge Fire Department. "A probationary member is somebody who, has applied, is going through the training, and eventually will be a firefighter. That's a number we haven't seen in decades."
Some students who participated in previous years have already joined their local departments. Student Alex Popescu said the appeal is clear: "The environment, the community - it's like a brotherhood. Everyone's got their backs there."
"It's great to allow people to see what the fire department can really look like," added student Brendan Monahan. "I think it's a great event."
The program aims to inspire the next generation of volunteer firefighters as departments continue working to strengthen their ranks. |
