Support given to training center

Franklin County Commissioners joined officials at the Franklin County Public Safety Training Center Junior Firefighter Boot Camp Program recently to make a donation.

Demonstrating support for the center they helped to build, Franklin County Commissioners recently donated over $13,000 in county funds to the Franklin County Public Safety Training Center Junior Firefighter Boot Camp Program to further augment funding for training, leadership, and growth in area fire departments.

"Last summer, we saw first hand 30 teenagers giving up week of their summer vacations to devote themselves to becoming future firefighters. We knew immediately that this boot camp program was worth supporting," stated Commissioner Chair G. Warren Elliott, who had spearheaded the fund raising efforts to get the training center built several years ago.

Ken North, Training Chairperson for the center, last summer reinstituted a basic training camp for young folks who were interested in the fire services. Thirty youth signed up for the camp and worked hard through the intense heat to learn basic fire skills and leadership and team building techniques. All thirty graduated a week later.

Ken North still gets calls from their parents commenting on the positive changes they have seen in their children. "We are very fortunate and unique in Pennsylvania to have this facility, thanks to the leadership of our county commissioners," commented North.

Dusty Stoner, Chairman of the Franklin County Fire Chiefs Association, applauded the commissioners for the gift. "This money will allow Ken to concentrate on training rather than scrambling for funds. We will still need some dollars but the allocation from the commissioners will help see us through. Any individual, business or organization wishing to support the Junior Firefighting Camp, can do so by contacting Ken North at 717-729-2302 or email ksknorth@embarqmail.com with your questions and/or contributions."

The Junior Boot Camp program is designed to not only recruit volunteer firefighters, but also to teach the leadership skills necessary to replace the long-term company leaders. "All of our fire companies have had the luxury of dedicated volunteer leaders but they need a rest and we can help them with training young people to eventually take their place. We need to support these fire companies and this is a great way to help out all of them," stated Commissioner Bob Thomas.

Commissioner Elliott closed the brief ceremony. "If these