Sullivan Junior Fire Academy Starts 12th Year

If you travel to Sullivan Fire District Station Five this week, 1230 North Church Street, formerly Highway AF, you will notice a large group of 14 to 18 year old future firefighters completing a dedicated 60-hour week in the 12th annual Sullivan Junior Fire Academy.

“Our cadets will be in the classroom and conducting live training throughout the week as classes began Monday, June 11, and will conclude with a graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 16,” said Jimmy Smythe, Junior Fire Academy Director. “These young firefighters will receive the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office certificate for completing basic firefighter as well as receive their certifications for first aid and CPR.”

The class has grown over the 12 years, beginning with 20 to 25 students to this year’s enrollment of 40 students. Twenty instructors provide time to teach in the classroom and on simulated fire alarm training in the field.

Over the course of 12 years, the academy has provided training to some 300 junior firefighters from all over the local area and state.

This year’s class will include junior firefighters from Illinois and Missouri along with six area districts that included: St. Clair, Boles, Bourbon, Sullivan, Eureka and Steelville.

Smythe said in a public statement, “This year the academy is recognized by the State Fire Marshal’s Office with their seal of recognition as well as being the second year of receiving a basic firefighter certificate from the state. During the week we will cover everything from fire safety, cancer prevention, fire behavior, ropes and knots, vehicle extrication and ending with real life simulation of a structure fire and care fire with juniors learning how to extinguish each of them.”

Smythe added that with the activities this week, residents should be cautious around town for a number of fire apparatus going to different training locations,

“I also would like to encourage our residents that see any personnel around town wearing their gray academy t-shirts for the public to ask them how things are going with the academy whether it be a student or instructor,” said Smythe. “We want to thank the public and fire district for the support we receive as it couldn’t be possible without them.”

The demand for students has continued to grow each year and this year’s demand saw enrollment numbers reach maximum capacity for the academy.

Students will spend each day and night at Station Five for the six-day class.