The Plaistow Junior Firefighters program provides comprehensive firefighter training to youth ages 14-18, preparing them for lifelong careers in emergency services while developing leadership, character, and community commitment through professional standards and board-governed excellence. Our program follows National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Junior Firefighter Program core competencies, utilizes New Hampshire Fire Academy (NHFA) curriculum, and meets National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 Firefighter Professional Qualifications standards.
Our curriculum is built upon the National Volunteer Fire Council's Junior Firefighter Program core competencies, ensuring comprehensive foundation training in: Fire & Life Safety Education, Emergency Scene Safety, Firefighting Operations, Emergency Medical Skills, Leadership Development, and Physical Fitness. These nationally recognized competencies provide a structured pathway for youth development in the fire service.
This program follows NFPA 1001: Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, covering both Firefighter I and Firefighter II levels. Students will learn according to nationally recognized professional standards, preparing them for future certification opportunities. Training includes all required knowledge and skills outlined in NFPA 1001, adapted appropriately for junior firefighters.
Our curriculum utilizes the New Hampshire Fire Academy's Firefighter I and II modules, textbooks, and online learning portal. Students study from Fire Engineering's Handbook for Firefighter I & II (1,200+ pages) and complete NHFA online modules through nhfaemslearning.org. This ensures alignment with state standards and prepares students for future professional certification through the 'On My Time' (OMT) program.
Our program uses a three-phase learning approach each week:
Plaistow Junior Firefighters utilizes cutting-edge educational technology to deliver a modern, 21st-century learning experience that prepares students for the technologically advanced fire service.
Platform: nhfaemslearning.org
Purpose: Official state-approved Firefighter I curriculum modules
Students complete NHFA's professional online learning modules that align with state certification standards. This platform provides the foundation curriculum matching what firefighters across New Hampshire study in official Fire Academy programs.
Platform: Custom Web Portal
Purpose: Schedule management, volunteer coordination, and program communications
Our program uses a custom-built volunteer portal that enables students, advisors, state instructors, and parents to register, view the training schedule, and coordinate volunteer support. This centralized platform streamlines scheduling and ensures optimal instructor-to-student ratios for safe, effective training.
By leveraging a custom volunteer coordination platform integrated with official Fire Academy curriculum, we provide students with professional organizational tools used in modern fire departments and training academies. This forward-thinking approach ensures our junior firefighters are not only learning essential firefighting skills, but also experiencing the volunteer coordination and team management practices that are vital in today's fire service.
Following the exact NH Fire Academy Firefighter I schedule with Fire Engineering Handbook chapter references
| Week 1 | FF 1 Program Orientation |
| Week 2 | Health and Wellness |
| Week 3 | ECSI First Aid Practical |
| Week 4 | PPE and SCBA Lab - Ch 9 & 10 |
| Week 5 | PPE and SCBA Blk 1 - Ch 9 & 10 |
| Week 6 | Communications - Ch 4 |
| Week 7 | Tools and Equipment - Ch 11 |
| Week 8 | Building Construction/Utility - Ch 7 |
| Week 9 | Fire Behavior - Ch 5 |
| Week 10 | Vehicle Extrication Tools & Operations (FF II / NFPA 1006) - Ch 17 |
| Week 11 | Ropes & Knots Blk 1 - Ch 8 |
| Week 12 | Ropes and Knots Blk 2 - Ch 8 |
| Week 13 | Portable Extinguishers - Ch 6 |
| Week 14 | Forcible Entry - Ch 6 |
| Week 15 | Ladders Blk 1 - Ch 11 |
| Week 16 | Ladders Blk 2 - Ch 11 |
| Week 17 | Ladders Blk 3 - Ch 11 |
| Week 18 | Salvage and Overhaul - Ch 21 |
| Week 19 | Ventilation - Ch 11 |
| Week 20 | Search and Rescue - Ch 10 |
| Week 21 | Search and Rescue - Ch 10 |
| Week 22 | FF Survival - Ch 8 |
| Week 23 | FF Survival - Ch 8 |
| Week 24 | Forestry - Ch 23 |
| Week 25 | Hose & Streams Lab - Ch 12 |
| Week 26 | Water Supply - Ch 12 |
| Week 27 | Hose & Streams Blk 1 - Ch 12 |
| Week 28 | Hose & Streams Blk 2 - Ch 12 |
| Week 29 | FF 1 Make Up |
| Week 30 | Hose & Streams Blk 3 - Ch 12 |
| Week 31 | Hose & Streams Blk 4 - Ch 12 |
| Week 32 | Fire Suppression Blk 1 - Ch 15-16 |
| Week 33 | Open Training Week - Acquired Structure / Fire II Topics |
| Week 34 | Open Training Week - Acquired Structure / Fire II Topics |
| Week 35 | Fire Suppression Blk 2 - Ch 15-16 |
| Week 36 | FF 1 Final Review |
| Week 37 | Vehicle Extrication I (PJFF Enhanced Training) |
| Week 38 | Vehicle Extrication II (PJFF Enhanced Training) |
| Week 39 | Tech Rescue Tools & Leadership Development (PJFF Enhanced Training) |
| Week 40 | Live Fire Training & Program Graduation (PJFF Enhanced Training) |
Students are expected to arrive at each training session well-rested, properly hydrated, and mentally prepared to learn. Firefighter training is physically and mentally demanding. Students should eat a proper meal before training, bring water, and ensure adequate sleep the night before. If feeling ill or injured, students must notify instructors immediately.
A positive attitude and active participation are essential to success in this program. Students are expected to:
Safety is our top priority. Students must follow all safety procedures, use equipment properly, and immediately report any unsafe conditions. The 'Everyone Goes Home' philosophy guides every training activity. Students who fail to follow safety protocols will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the program.
This program trains future firefighters and community leaders. Students are expected to demonstrate integrity, honesty, and professional conduct. Inappropriate language, bullying, harassment, or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated. Students represent the Plaistow Junior Firefighters program both in and out of the fire station.
Regular attendance is critical to student success. The 40-week curriculum builds progressively, with each session providing essential knowledge and skills for future training. Students are expected to attend all training sessions.
Education is a priority. Students must maintain passing grades in school to remain in the program. Report cards may be requested periodically. Students struggling academically should communicate with instructors to adjust training schedules if needed. Academic success comes first.
The Plaistow Junior Firefighters program began as a grassroots initiative to provide local youth with comprehensive fire service training and mentorship opportunities. In October 2025, the program was officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (NH Business ID #1007936), establishing formal governance through a five-member Board of Directors.
This transition marks the program's evolution from informal instruction to a structured, curriculum-based training program following professional standards. We are proud to offer New Hampshire's youth a pathway to fire service careers through rigorous, professional training that meets national and state standards.
The Plaistow Fire Department has served the Town of Plaistow and surrounding communities with distinction for decades, providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue, and hazardous materials response. The department operates from the fire station at 27 Elm Street, responding to hundreds of emergency calls annually.
While the Plaistow Junior Firefighters program is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are 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 governance and curriculum development.
| Name | Position | Credentials |
|---|---|---|
| Christopher Nesbitt | Chairman of the Board & Lead Instructor | NH Certified Firefighter EMT |
| Doug Thompson | Treasurer | CPA, Community Member |
| Daniel Ricker | Secretary & Instructor | Meeting Minutes & Agenda |
| David Florin | Board Member & Instructor | NH Certified Firefighter Paramedic |
| Robert Tuttle | Board Member & Instructor | NH State Fire Instructor |
All board members participate in curriculum development, policy decisions, and program oversight. Four of the five board members serve as active instructors, bringing decades of combined fire service experience to student training.
The New Hampshire Fire Academy's 'On My Time' (OMT) program allows students to work toward Firefighter I and II certification at their own pace. Through our partnership with the NHFA, senior students may have the opportunity to complete practical skills evaluations with state-certified instructors.
The OMT program enables students to:
Eligibility for OMT participation will be announced once program criteria are finalized with the New Hampshire Fire Academy.
Through our partnership with Timberlane Regional High School, Timberlane students participating in this program can earn Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) credits toward graduation requirements. This recognizes the educational value and academic rigor of our comprehensive firefighter training curriculum.
Students who successfully complete the 40-week program will receive:
We are excited to have you as part of the Plaistow Junior Firefighters program. This training year represents our transition to a structured, curriculum-based program that meets professional standards. You are part of building something special - a program that will serve future generations of junior firefighters.
Success in this program requires dedication, commitment, and a strong work ethic. Come to training ready to learn, support your fellow juniors, and embrace the challenges ahead. The fire service needs dedicated, professional individuals - we look forward to helping you develop into tomorrow's firefighting leaders.
Welcome to the team. Let's get to work.
_____________________________________________
Christopher Nesbitt, Chairman & Lead Instructor
Plaistow Junior Firefighters Board of Directors