HARDIN COUNTY JUNIOR FIREFIGHTER PROGRAM
400 Armory Lane, Savannah, TN 38372
Office Phone: 731-925-6178
Email: jessica@hardincountyfire.com

Standard Operating Guidelines,
Program Rules,
& Participant Application

1

1. Initiative and Willingness to Learn
   Members are encouraged to be self-starters, show initiative, and maintain a strong willingness to learn and improve their skills and knowledge.
2. Professional Conduct
   Members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional, respectful, and courteous manner at all times when representing the fire department, whether in uniform or not.
3. Opportunities and Advancement
   Members who consistently demonstrate dedication, a positive attitude, and a desire to learn will be rewarded with increased opportunities and involvement within the program, as permitted by policy and safety guidelines.
4. Pride in the Department
   Members are expected to uphold this pride by acting responsibly and professionally in public and private settings while associated with the department.
5. School Performance
   Junior members are expected to maintain at least a "C" average in school coursework. If a parent or guardian requests that a junior's participation be limited or suspended until grades improve, they must notify the office so appropriate action can be taken.

2

Active Status, Minimum Requirements, & Permitted Activities:

a. Participation Expectations:
Junior members are encouraged to attend regular monthly meetings or scheduled events. Activities may include basic training coursework, approved program activities, or other departmental functions.

b. Training Requirements: Junior members must meet the minimum participation requirements of six (6) meetings and sixteen (16) hours of approved training per calendar year.

c. Approved Activities & Trainings:
i. Parades and special district or department events
ii. Fundraising events and community partner events
iii. Departmental training
iv. General standby assignments
v. Fire safety and prevention education activities
vi. District and Junior Firefighter meetings

d. Non-Emergency On-Scene Assistance:
i. carrying, laying, and rolling hoses
ii. back-line support
iii. water shuttle assistance
iv. rehabilitation assistance
v. SCBA air bottle replacement.

Program Suspension OR Termination

Suspension Request: The department will review each situation on a case-by-case basis. Continued participation may be suspended or terminated to encourage academic improvement and responsible behavior.

Termination: Maintain an active status in order to be a part of the program. If you fail to maintain an active status by completing the requirements each year, then you will face termination from the program. This action allows other interested junior members the opportunity to participate in the program.

Parents or guardians must notify the office immediately by calling 731-925-6178 if:
a. Child experiences a significant decline in grades.
b. Is placed in school suspension, alternative school, or withdraws from school.
c. Parental request that the child be suspended or removed from the program.

Safety and Scene Awareness:

Junior members are not authorized to perform interior firefighting, enter hazardous areas, or operate beyond their training and approval level. This includes on scenes and within training grounds.

a. Junior members must follow all department policies, program guidelines, and direct orders from the senior officer on scene.
b. The public may pressure junior members to take action beyond their authorization. Do not comply.
c. Never enter an unsafe scene or hot zone area under any circumstances.

3

Junior Firefighter Compliance:

This Code of Conduct exists to ensure the safety, professionalism, and success of all junior firefighter members while preparing them for future roles in the fire service.

Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct or any department policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the Junior Firefighter Program.

• Chain of Command
  While participating in training, events, or on scene, junior members will report directly to their assigned instructor, district chief, fire chief, incident commander, or incident safety officer.
  You are under the direct command of the senior officer on scene or incident commander. You must abide by their rules and directives.
  Junior members must recognize when they have been asked to perform something not appropriate and will report this to the commanding officer.

• Training and Education
  Junior members will receive classroom and hands-on training in core areas, including CPR, communications, general fire and rescue education, and fire safety and prevention.

• Scene Safety Restrictions
  Junior members may only operate outside of the hot zone on the fire-ground. This includes any active working fire or live-fire training environment. Junior members are NOT PERMITTED to participate in prohibited activities which will be listed in these SOGs.

• Vehicle Operations
  Junior members are not permitted to operate any fire department vehicle or equipment. As our departmental SOGs clearly state, all drivers must be 21 or older and take appropriate training before driving any fire department vehicle or equipment.

• Media - Public Information Sharing & On Scene Media
  • Only officers may talk to the media. All junior members will refer all questions regarding the fire department to the most senior officer on the scene.
  • You are NOT permitted to share any scene information with anyone outside of the department at any time.

• Social Media
  • You are welcome and encouraged to share information from the following Facebook pages: Junior Firefighter Program by HCFD, Hardin County Fire Department, Hardin County Emergency Management.
  • No photos from scenes should ever be shared UNLESS they come directly from Hardin County Fire Department's Facebook page.
  • Photos from training with the department or your district are encouraged for you to share.

• Injury Reporting: ALL INJURIES MUST BE REPORTED IMMEDIATELY TO THE INCIDENT COMMANDER. 911 MAY BE ACTIVATED, OR JUNIOR MAY NEED TO BE TAKEN TO ER.

{ 4 }

FOR ALL JUNIOR FIREFIGHTERS:

a. The regular fire department officers, instructors, and chiefs will directly supervise the Junior Firefighter. The Junior Fire Department shall abide by all federal, state, and departmental rules and regulations. All members of the Junior Fire Department shall meet the minimum standards, as described on pages 2-4, and must provide at least two references.

b. The hours specified by parents or a work permit always supersede any hours listed in these SOGs.

c. Hours of operation vary by age/level and are specific to that age group/level and are in compliance with the state of Tennessee Child Labor Act.

d. Juniors are expected to represent the fire department positively. It is not appropriate to discuss internal matters of the fire department or talk negatively about other fire departments.

e. You are encouraged to attend meetings with your assigned district, but you MUST attend at least 50% (6) of all Junior Firefighter meetings, and complete 16 hours of required departmental training each year.

ALL JUNIOR FIREFIGHTERS STATION RULES:

a. All Junior Firefighters are welcome and encouraged to spend time at Station 12 during the designated hours listed below only.

b. Station 12 staff on shift do have the right to accept or deny a Junior Firefighter that day for any reason BEFORE the Junior Firefighter can be left at the station.

c. Junior members are NOT ALLOWED to be at any station unsupervised by an adult volunteer or career firefighter; this includes Station 12.

d. All junior members must sign in and out of the Junior Time Log Sheet at the station every time they enter and exit the building. NO EXCEPTIONS!

e. We request that you be active during this time i.e. cleaning the station, going over the apparatus, assisting the staff on duty, etc.

ALL JUNIOR FIREFIGHTERS PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES:

a. No activity is permitted while school is in session or while attending a school-associated function; i.e. band, football, cheer, baseball, WIRED, or any other group or event. This includes dances and special days/events.
b. If you are at a school-related event or function, you must remain there. You will not be excused to attend a call. Ignoring this order may result in suspension from the program for all Junior Firefighters involved.
c. You are NOT permitted to attend medical calls or car accidents.
d. Do not respond to calls or come to the station if you are sick or under the influence of medication, drugs, or alcohol.
e. Operating department vehicles.
f. Operating various types of power-driven saws and shears.
g. Using rubber electric gloves, insulated wire cutters, or life nets.
h. Operations of pumps of any fire department vehicle at the scene.
i. Entering a burning structure or being in the "hot-zone".
j. Operating high-pressure hose lines (water, air, or hydraulic) except during training.
k. Ascending ladders, except during training.
l. Operate any aerial device (cranes or hoists), non-automatic elevators, air bags for lifting, or winches.
m. Assisting or responding to Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) scenes/calls, including those with paint, acid, radioactive elements, or poisons.
n. Perform operations in tunnels, shafts, or trenches.
o. Roof top ventilation or any work on top of a roof.
p. Wrecking or demolition, including the use of acetylene torches, cutting or crushing equipment, or responding to structural collapse incidents.
q. Participate in on-scene operations of natural disasters.
r. Juniors are not permitted to perform any traffic control duties.

ALL JUNIOR FIREFIGHTER PERMITTED ACTIVITIES:

Participation in organized training activities and community events is encouraged for all Junior Firefighters. At least 2 adult members of the organization must be present and supervising the junior member at all times.

• All aspects of fire suppression training, except interior live fire extinguishment.
• Rescue training
• Safety training
• Wildland firefighting training
• Search and Rescue training
• Provide canteen services and assist with rehab
• Support capacity for searches, rescues, wildfires, hazmat incidents, and water supply operations while under the direct supervision of a senior member.
• Department events
• District events and fundraisers
• Community events that Hardin County Fire participates in. This can double for school volunteer hours if needed.

LEVEL 1 JUNIOR (Ages 14-15):

• School Hours: Cannot work when required to be in class. *HOMESCHOOL STUDENTS this applies to you as well with regular school hours of 8am-3pm.
• Station 12 Junior Firefighter Hours of Operations: 8:00am – 6:00pm only after school, on the weekends, or during summer break.
• While school is in session, a Level 1 Junior cannot spend more than 3 hours at the station per day; less than 18 hours per week. Per Tennessee Child Labor Act.
• While school is NOT in session, a Level 1 Junior cannot spend more than 8 hours per day; less than 40 hours per week.
• Station 12 must have at least 2 people (adults) on shift, whether career or volunteer, before the Junior Firefighter can be left at the station.
• You are NOT allowed to respond to a call in a personal vehicle; you must go to the station and wait for the next available apparatus (up to 15-minutes), OR parents can drive you to the scene.
• Do not allow anyone to drop you off or leave you at the station alone. This is prohibited.

LEVEL 2 JUNIOR (Ages 16-17):

• Station 12 Hours of Operation: 8:00am – 10:00pm
• No volunteering between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. (Sunday–Thursday if a school day follows). Per Tennessee Child Labor Act
• School Hours: Cannot work when required to be in class.
• SENIOR INTERNSHIP: If you seek a co-op for an internship, it will be at the discretion of the Fire Chief, Assistant Chief, and Hardin County High School.
• AGE 16: You must report to the station for all calls.

ADDITIONAL LEVEL 2 PERMITTED ACTIVITIES:

All activities listed above in the “ALL JUNIOR FIREFIGHTER PERMITTED ACTIVITIES” section, including the following:

EXTERIOR FIRE OPERATIONS:
1. Attacking the fire with hose lines as part of EXTERIOR operations.
2. Setting up ladders.
3. Setting up Positive Pressure Ventilation as part of EXTERIOR operations.
4. Clean up with the following conditions:
     a. Must be outside the fire building collapse zone.
     b. Only after the incident is declared under control by Command.

HOURS OF OPERATIONS AGES 16-17:

AGE 16: Please ride with an apparatus to the scene. To ensure your safety, you are not allowed to drive directly to the scene. You can take your POV to the station or an adult may drive you to the scene.

AGE 17: You may drive your personal vehicle. You are NOT allowed to drive what is considered “emergency” i.e. with hazard flashers on, honking, driving excessive speeds, ignoring traffic laws. You are responsible for the outcome of this scenario. You will be reprimanded accordingly and possibly terminated. More details on next page.

DRIVING OF PERSONAL VEHICLES - PARENTAL PERMISSION REQUIRED:
Those aged 16-17 with a driver’s license and personal vehicle must follow the age-appropriate driving rules listed below. Not following these rules can result in disciplinary action, including termination.

AGE 16:
1. You must submit a copy of your driver’s license.
2. You are NOT allowed to drive directly to any scene. You may only drive to the fire station.
3. You must report to the fire station for all calls. If all apparatuses have responded, you can stand by at the station for up to 30-minutes to see if a senior member of the Hardin County Fire Department arrives.
4. You are encouraged to assist your district with any cleanup needed when they return from the call.

AGE 17:
1. You must submit a copy of your driver's license.
2. You may drive NON-EMERGENCY to FIRE CALLS ONLY!
3. Juniors are NOT allowed to respond to medical calls, off-road, or vehicle
(MVC/MVA) calls.
4. All speed limits and traffic laws are to be strictly followed while responding to the
scene or to the station.
5. HCFD its officers or its members are in no way responsible or liable for any moving violations or accidents while Enroute to or from a scene call.
6. At no time is a junior member permitted to use hazard lights, colored lights, honk horn or use any other warning devices while en route to the station or a scene.
7. Upon arrival to the scene all junior members must wear PPE and check in with the Incident Commander (IC) or Safety Officer.
8. Failure to abide by these rules will result in a suspension of at least 30 days and
possible termination from the junior program.

RESPONDING TO CALLS ON APPARATUS:

1. Junior firefighters shall don full protective bunker gear before boarding any piece of fire
apparatus that is responding to a call. Juniors shall wear full protective turnout gear to all
calls unless otherwise instructed by the senior officer.
2. Junior firefighter will obtain verbal permission from the officer or senior member in
charge of an apparatus prior to boarding an apparatus. The final decision to let a Jr. FF
ride along is up to the senior officer on duty. No arguing.
3. Junior firefighters shall give up their seat to any senior firefighter upon request. No
questions or arguing.
4. When riding any piece of apparatus, junior firefighters shall position themselves in a seat
with a seat belt in place and securely fastened. Under no circumstances will a junior stand
up on an apparatus while the apparatus in moving.
5. Junior firefighters shall remain in the apparatus until given instructions by the officer. If
no instructions are given, check in with the Incident Commander and wait for
instructions.
6. Junior firefighters shall NOT at any time, start or attempt to start or move any fire
department vehicle. No Exceptions!

{ 8 }

HARDIN COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT
Junior Firefighter Program Summary of SOGs
Before being accepted into the Junior Firefighter Program, the applicant and parent/guardian must agree to all terms and conditions based on age.
A summary is listed below.

Program Tiers and Tennessee Time Restrictions
I, the undersigned, understand the following information listed below. The program is divided into two levels based on age. In accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated § 50-5-105, the following time restrictions apply:

• Level I (Ages 14-15): May participate only between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Total weekly participation is limited to 3 hours per day, no more than 18 hours during school weeks. No more than 8 hours per day, no more than 40 hours per week while school is not in session.
• Level II (Ages 16-17): May participate from 8:00 AM until 10:00 PM on nights preceding a school day. No more than 8 hours can be spent at the station per day, no more than 40 hours per week while school is not in session.

Operations and Safety
Junior Firefighters are learners and shall not be substituted for trained, adult personnel. Participants are strictly prohibited from:

• Entering burning structures or performing ventilation procedures.
• Operating emergency lights, sirens, or disobeying any traffic laws.
• Driving any Fire Department vehicles.
• Handling energized electrical equipment.

Level II participants (Age 16) responding to stations in personal vehicles must maintain valid insurance and adhere to all Tennessee Department of Safety driving regulations. (Age 17) Responding to stations and scenes in personal vehicles, must maintain valid insurance and adhere to all Tennessee Department of Safety driving regulations.

Educational Standards
The Hardin County Fire Department prioritizes your child's education.

• Academic Standing: Participants must maintain a "C" average or higher.
• School Discipline: Suspension from school will result in immediate suspension from the program. Termination from the program will occur if the participant drops out of school or is sent to an alternative school indefinitely.

 

10

This section grants the Hardin County Fire Department authority to seek medical care if a parent/guardian cannot be reached during an emergency.

I, ____________________________________, give my son/daughter permission to drive to a scene or fire station with/of the Hardin County Fire Department. I give my consent to allow them to be able to fulfill their duties as a Junior Firefighter, and do not hold the Hardin County Fire Department or Hardin County responsible for any actions caused by my son/daughter (includes, but is not limited to, traffic violations/tickets, reckless driving, and/or any accidents). I and my son/daughter have read ALL of the Junior Firefighter Guidelines and understand the guidelines set up to outline the purpose of the Junior Firefighters. I and my son/daughter understand that Junior Firefighters are to follow all instructions from members of HCFD and that the general standard of conduct is to act in the manner of a professional. I and my son/daughter understand there is a "zero tolerance" policy regarding drug and alcohol use. I and my son/daughter understand that by signing this application, we are declaring that any violation of the guidelines is grounds for immediate dismissal. I and my son/daughter understand that any acts that violate the guidelines and that are illegal under state law will be referred to the Law Enforcement.

You are required to submit your driver's license and proof of insurance. Please send a copy/photocopy to jessica@hardincountyfire.com to be placed with your application.

I, _______________________, grant full permission for the above named minor to participate in the Hardin County Fire Department Junior Firefighter Program. I understand that all activities will be conducted under the direct supervision of the Program Coordinator, Fire Chief, or designated ranking officers. I hold harmless the Hardin County Fire Department, Hardin County, and any agency associated with this program, as I understand this is an "enter at your own risk" program. The guidelines on pages 1-8 are a copy for you and your parent/guardian to keep, as it details the roles, responsibilities, and timelines for you.

I, ____________________,  do hereby promise to adhere to and abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the Junior FF Program/Guidelines. I understand that I am not to appear at a fire scene, training event or department function under the influence of drugs or alcohol. I agree to abide by all traffic laws when responding to an incident. I understand that it is the right of Hardin County Fire Department to terminate me from this program at any time for any reason. Upon my termination (voluntary or involuntary), I will surrender all issued equipment in a timely manner.