About Our Program
NFPA 1001 Firefighter I Training • Ages 14-18 • Board-Governed Nonprofit
Our Foundation
Plaistow Junior Firefighters was officially incorporated as a nonprofit organization in October 2025, reflecting our commitment to professional youth development and community service excellence.
Officially Incorporated
New Hampshire State Corporation
Business ID: #1007936
October 27, 2025
501(c)(3) Nonprofit (Pending)
Federal tax-exempt status
Educational Purpose
Youth development focus
Board Governed
Professional oversight and accountability
5-Member Board
Fire service leadership
Standards Compliant
Meeting national professional standards
NHFSTC/NFPA/NVFC
Triple integration
Our Mission
We provide comprehensive NFPA 1001 Firefighter I training to youth ages 14-18, preparing them for careers in emergency services while developing leadership, character, and community commitment through professional standards and board-governed excellence.
Our Vision
To be the premier youth firefighter development program in New Hampshire, recognized for professional excellence, safety culture, and producing exceptional candidates for fire service careers and community leadership roles.
Program Structure & Partnerships
Independent nonprofit program with strong community partnerships
Independent Nonprofit
Plaistow Junior Firefighters operates as an independent 501(c)(3) (pending) nonprofit organization with its own board of directors, bylaws, and governance structure. The program maintains full autonomy in curriculum development, instructor selection, and operational decisions.
Hosted by Plaistow Fire Department
The program is graciously hosted by the Plaistow Fire Department, which provides access to training facilities, fire apparatus, and equipment. This partnership enables hands-on training in a professional fire station environment while maintaining the program's independent nonprofit status.
Educational Partnership
Through partnership with Timberlane Regional High School, Timberlane students can earn Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) credits toward graduation requirements. With classroom, practical, self-study, and online learning combined, students meet the 150-hour threshold for a full credit.
Important Program Information
While Plaistow Junior Firefighters utilizes Plaistow Fire Department facilities and equipment, the program operates independently as a separate nonprofit organization. The program is not operated by or under the direct supervision of the Plaistow Fire Department. All program operations, curriculum decisions, and governance are managed by the Plaistow Junior Firefighters Board of Directors.
Professional Standards
Our curriculum is mapped directly to the NHFSTC Firefighter I program
NFPA 1001 (2019)
All 28 modules align to NFPA 1001 Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualifications, with Job Performance Requirements (JPRs) mapped to each module
NHFSTC Curriculum
Following the NH Fire Standards & Training Commission approved Firefighter I curriculum — the same program taught at the NH Fire Academy
NVFC Core Competencies
Developing National Volunteer Fire Council core competencies across youth development, leadership, teamwork, and technical skills
Program Highlights
Comprehensive Curriculum
- • 28 Firefighter I modules over ~30 weeks
- • 120+ contact hours (September through May)
- • Fire Engineering's Handbook
- • NHFA online learning portal access
- • Custom training portal for scheduling & coordination
Progressive Training Phases
- • Foundation & Safety
- • Core Equipment & Skills
- • Technical Operations
- • Suppression & Water Supply
- • Specialized Operations
Safety Culture
- • NIOSH LODD case study integration
- • Cancer awareness and prevention training
- • Medical monitoring per NFPA standards
- • Personal protective equipment & SCBA focus
- • Firefighter survival training
Instruction & Career Preparation
- • Certified firefighter guest instructors, including NH Fire Academy instructors
- • Career firefighters, EMTs & paramedics assist
- • OMT certification pathway (ages 16+)
- • LRCC Fire Science pipeline
- • Leadership development focus
Our Community Impact
Youth Development
Developing responsible citizens through character building, leadership training, and community service opportunities
Emergency Preparedness
Strengthening community emergency response capabilities through trained volunteers and safety education
Career Pipeline
Foundation Program to OMT Certification to LRCC Fire Science — a proven pathway into full-time fire service careers