The way that some programs move in this state, when an individual (16/7) start an Essentials or FF1/FF2 program, they dont finish until after they're 18. I personally am for allowing them to complete the training, but maybe the programs themselves need to be looked at.

Wow reading all these negative comments about it is shocking. When I went through the process 30 years ago as long as my parents and Cheif sign off I could participate in only a training environment. That allowed me to get into other classes. Today, I can sign off on my child in junior year in high school to enlist in the military but everyone is flipping shit about Mod 4 training....a controlled environment training. 16 year and 6 months we trust these kids with a drivers license to drive a car by themselves, but can't send them to a 56 hour course? And people wonder why young kids are losing interest! I trust my instructors locally that I would have signed off on my 3 sons and step son at 16 to obtain their Mod 4. And I hope this passes soon. My step son will be leaving for college at 17. Meaning at it may be 4 years before he can do Mod 4. How much will change in the fire service that would he be allowed in Mod 4 in 4 years?

Okay so I am going to go against the grain here a little. Allowing 16/17 year olds to complete all modules of the essentials program and or Firefighter I&II is not a bad idea and is already successful in other states, ie Ohio in their high school programs. This allows these individuals upon graduation and or turning 18 to become interior firefighters or even better gain employment as a firefighter. Their training would be no different at 16/17 or 40 meeting the same standards requirements and NFPA guidelines. It would be a mechanism to train them at an early age and foster their experience getting them ready with experience when they are old enough to take that line in the door.

Thank you. On it.

How about we tackle the issue instead of coming up with asinine ideas that won’t fix anything (and we all know it, but until egos are gone nothing will change). Consolidate fire stations and hire firefighters. Problem solved.

So, you cant buy Tobacco until you're 21 in Pa but they think being an interior firefighter is ok at 16? So, if that doesnt work we go to 12 or 10? I would imagine proper fire department funding would do more good.

There are basics in surveying - you can get the result you want based on who you poll. Here’s the reality: underdeveloped decision making in high pressure conditions will lead to thin decision making. This leads to life risk of both actors and support. As much as I want the problem to go away this is NOT the way to make it go away.

How about we try a real solution like supplemental paid staffing that is trained and experienced rather than using inexperienced children?

Lowering the standard because volunteer numbers are down Nd peopleare struggling.. id rather struggle than sit in court when a 16-17 year old kills someone or gets killed...if

37.9% of firefighters polled are delusional

I would not have 16 years I would even up it 20/21 of age

Jordan Isaac Zachary Bilder

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO THIS IS STUPID. AT 16/17 I PROMISE YOU THEY ARE NOT MATURE ENOUGH TO DO THIS.

Mark Kirchgasser

So apparently Paul R. Tate couldn't handle the truth

37.9% of firefighters polled are junior members

Wow, at least you weeded out 537 morons