MEXICO – Selectmen on Wednesday gave the go-ahead to investigate the legality of organizing a Junior Firefighters Program.

Mexico Fire Chief Gary Wentzell said the need for a youth group is important to the future of the department.

Although he said the current force is well-trained, fewer and fewer people choose to become firefighters partly because of the number of training hours required. The existing call force is also aging, he said, making the need for young members even more important.

At least three boys have shown interest in the program, including Joseph Bruns and Seth Marshall, both age 15. If established, the program would be open to both boys and girls, age 15-18.

The board authorized Wentzell and Town Manager Joseph Derouche to get a legal opinion outlining the town’s responsibility in such a program. Once a clearer understanding of the program is presented, the board will act on the matter.

Wentzell said he hopes the program could start sometime after the first of the year.

He said junior firefighters are not allowed into burning buildings and would likely do such things as mop up after fires. While they are in the program, however, they can take the required courses that would give them “Firefighter I” status. Then, when they turn 18, they could respond to a call, like any other member of the force.

Jack Burke, the department’s safety officer, said the activities of the young firefighters would be closely monitored. He said having them involved would be a great help to the department.

“There’s a lot of stuff they can do. They’d be an asset for (the town) and for us,” he said.

Wentzell also plans to contact the SAD 43 superintendent to discuss the program. In some Junior Firefighting Programs in other towns, members are allowed to leave class during a call.

In other matters, the board voted to close the Town Office on Thursday, Oct. 7, so office employees may attend a portion of the Maine Municipal Association convention. Selectmen and department heads are also encouraged to attend.

Derouche said many issues facing the towns, and work performed by town employees, will be discussed at the convention. Attendance by municipal employees and officials could benefit Mexico, he said.

The board also agreed to meet with the town’s auditor at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 13.