Department’s Junior Fire Academy pours it on for youth

THE ENGLEWOOD Fire Department Junior Fire Academy, this year July 10–14, saw 20 youngsters trained in firefighting procedures out in the world and fire safety in the home.

The week was filled with activ-

The City of EnglewoodFire Department says on its web page that it provides safety education programs to its citizens throughout the year “but especially during October, Fire Safety Education Month. While all divisions of the Department — Fire Suppression, EMS, and Fire Prevention — can deliver education programs to our citizens, the Fire Prevention Bureau coordinates the departmentʼs Public Education program.”

It says, “Effective public education needs to cover a variety of disciplines for a variety of age groups. However, most of our endeavors focus on the groups ities perfect for the recruits, age 10–14, including in physical fitness, practice using fire hoses, a simulated helicopter rescue, and trips to the Bergen County Police and Fire Academy in Mahwah and FDNY Marine 1 in New York City.

The instructors leading the junior academy — based principally at the EFD firehouse, at 81 S. Van Brunt St. and at the Leroy McCloud Elementary School on Tenafly Road — were Lt. Bertero,

FF Rodriguez, FF Doherty, FF Loaiza, and Lt. Brown. The staff included three junior counselors, alumni of the camp: Augie Isley, Kayla Brown, and Jair OrtizLuna.

According to Brown, the

City of Englewood Fire Department summer camp action shot,posted July 12. EFD/Facebook most at risk, and where the message is more likely to have a positive impact. Studies have proven that these groups are elementaryand middle school-aged children.” — NVP.

EFDʼs Junior Fire Academy ran 2002–2010, then was rebooted in 2018. (It took a hiatus amid Covid.)

Brown says instructors volunteer their time “because they appreciate the transformative value of the program to young peopleʼs lives. … Through these lessons we are teaching the cadets responsibility, accountability, work ethic, and the power of teamwork and community.”

Botero agreed: “We want to inspire young people to give back.”

Paul, 14, said of his time this summer, “I really liked learning how to avoid and control fires and how to use the equipment.”

A friend, 11, said, “Firefighters are heroes.”

EFD Junior Fire Academy also attracts several sponsors.

Lunches were provided by Bartolomeo Deli, Chick-fil-A, Jerryʼs Gourmet, and 5 Alarm BBQ.

N NOORRTTHHEERRN N V VAALLLLE

Digital technology such as smartphones have made our lives easier and more convenient. Email, e-commerce, and texting allow users to communicate, conduct business while on-the-go, and send short messages to friends and family.

NORTHERN VALLEY

Valley Toastmasters held its 35th anniversary and reunion dinner at Donatellaʼs in Harrington Park on Monday recently.

Area director Jeff Bart installed Dr. Claudine Smith as president, Steve Bernard as VP of education, Richard Paterson (serving a sixth term) as treasurer, Frank Schuck (not pictured) for membership enrollment, Lourdes Saxon as VP of public relations, Barbara Monahan as sergeant-at-arms, and Sharon Grosso as recording secretary.

Although the positives associated with smartphones are impressive, there are some negatives to be aware of — especially if you are an older adult.

The Bristal Assisted Living reminds Northern Valley Press read-