An intensive training program in Rutherford is giving youth the tools needed to pursue a career in firefighting while helping fire departments address dire staffing concerns.

Gathered to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Rutherford Junior Firefighter Program, 30 students stood shoulder-to-shoulder with leader Jessica Rudd, Rutherford Fire Department Recruiting and Retention Officer. “We could start our own fire department,” Rudd joked while proudly eyeing her cadets.

However, Rudd’s motivation to start the program was no joke. According to the National Fire Protection Association, America is facing a shortage of 222,000 volunteer firefighters while the population has increased 40% since 1984 and emergency calls have tripled. According to FEMA, which maintains the National Fire Department Registry, of the active firefighting personnel listed, 52% are volunteer firefighters. That number is 74% in Tennessee and 70% in Kentucky. Reporting to the registry is voluntary, but 91% of all U.S. fire departments are listed.

“When you’re having one of the worst days of your life, it will be a volunteer who will drop what they’re doing to come help you,” said Rutherford Fire Chief John Stafford.

Junior fire programs provide high school students with basic firefighting training to prepare them for jobs in the fire service once they turn 18. Rutherford started with 10 students. In just one year, five students have graduated, enrollment has tripled, and there is a waiting list with 20 students.

Classes include hose training, extrication training, search and rescue, agility course, hydrant/drafting training, fire tools/equipment training, one-minute drills, SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) training and more. Rudd works with other area fire departments to ensure students receive as much training as possible.

As they progress through the program, junior firefighters respond to firefighting calls and work on the scene. Rutherford junior firefighters are not allowed to fight interior attacks when a building is on fire. On exterior fires, they can hand over tools and hit hotspots after the fire has been extinguished.

“Going to fire calls is the best thing ever,” said Nathan Griggs, a junior at Gibson County High School.

Griggs’ experience in the program is common. The students’ passion has reignited Rudd’s love for the fire service.

“They make me want to be better,” she said. “They have the excitement and drive to be the best they can be and to help people. That’s what this job is all about.”

The junior firefighters can further their training to become emergency medical responders or emergency medical technicians. Gibson Electric Membership Corporation and CoBank provided matching funds to award the Rutherford Junior Firefighter Program with a $5,000 CoBank Sharing Success grant in October 2024 to help pay for a live burn training experience, EMR training, EMT school, equipment and t-shirts.

“Youth programs are important to our cooperative, and we’re thrilled to see what these young people are doing in Rutherford,” said Gibson Electric and Gibson Connect President and CEO Dan Rodamaker. “They’re not only setting themselves up for successful careers; they’re meeting a need in our communities. We’re grateful to Jessica, Chief Stafford and all the firefighters working with the program for passing on their knowledge and passion for service with the next generation.”