Junior Firefighters
A youth program in a fire department is an opportunity to increase enthusiasm and morale. Bringing in new enthusiasm with youths, and rekindling it with veterans, will better-serve those that departments protect and may contribute to the overall future of a department. Recruiting the younger generation from the community, and utilizing their time and effort in return for training and structure, is one of the many great traditions that help make the fire service what it is today.
Junior Firefighter (JRFF) programs in Kentucky are open to youth ages 15, 16 and 17 that have been issued a firefighter number through the Kentucky Fire Information and Records Entry System (KyFIRES), and are listed on the roster of the junior firefighter program sub-organization of the sponsoring department in KyFIRES.
To implement a JRFF program, a departments must:
- Complete and submit a Program Notification Form to the Fire Commission Office
- Maintain all required program documentation on file (in main fire station) for review
- Be recognized, approved, and registered in the Fire Commission database
- Follow approved JRFF program guidelines as established by the Fire Commission
- Implement a procedure that clearly defines program responsibilities and operations and is not inconsistent with any Fire Commission-determined requirements for a JRFF Program
The Kentucky Fire Commission requires all departments to keep safety at the forefront
of their operations and activities. The Fire Commission includes in the meaning of
safety both the physical and psychological well-being of youth and adult members.
In addition, department oversight also means the safety of its members and the department
as a whole. Fire departments are cautioned to be aware of potential liability issues
and to seek advice from the Fire Commission with any questions that may arise surrounding
the JRFF program and minors involved.
Forms/Instructions
JRFF Program Handbook
JRFF Program Notification
JRFF Program Participant Application
JRFF Parental Consent and Approval
JRFF Training Approval/Permission Form
JRFF Program Guidelines
JRFF Apparatus Ridealong SOG Template
Instructions - Adding a JRFF to KyFIRES
Instructions - Aging out a JRFF
Registered JRFF Programs
Junior Firefighter Program Department List - 2/7/2025
Department names that have been highlighed in blue are in need of providing the Fire Commission with an updated Junior Firefighter Program Notification Form, even if there is not currently an active junior program at the department.
If a department's Chief or Junior Program Coordinator needs to be updated, please
fill out the Junior Program Notification form listed above and email it to jrfirefighter@kctcs.edu. Indicate on the checkbox on the form that this is an updated form.
Questions regarding the Junior Firefighter Program should be directed via email to
jrfirefighter@kctcs.edu or via telephone at (859) 256-3193.
