FARMINGTON — Selectmen unanimously approved forming a Junior Firefighter program, a first for fire and rescue.

Fire Chief Terry Bell told the board Tuesday that they would start with three students, ages 16-18, who are already involved in the Foster Technology Center firefighter program. A fourth student may also be interested.

The program is designed to provide knowledge of firefighting in a safe environment while providing potential future recruits for Farmington Fire and Rescue.

The department will provide support as Junior Firefighters attend the high school program and earn their firefighter 1 and 2 certifications. That will allow them to become full firefighters when they turn 18, he said.

Bell presented a proposal that included standards of what they can and can’t do. For example, they are forbidden from entering a burning building. They will be paid minimum wage and already have the necessary equipment.

Bell said the younger firefighters will help with tasks such as cleaning equipment at the station after a fire, which can take two or three hours.

He expects the younger firefighters will find it easier to climb up on the trucks and do some tasks some aging firefighters may not want to do, he explained.

In addition to the training, the program promotes a “safe and encouraging environment” for the junior firefighter to gain skills, training and interest in serving the community.

“It’s our responsibility to nurture,” Deputy Chief Clyde Ross told the board.

The mentoring of earlier firefighters such as Stub Hemingway was a big help in developing a tradition of dedication and responsibility within the department, traits that many people don’t have in their jobs today, he said.

Other towns in Franklin County, including Wilton, Jay, Chesterville, New Sharon and Strong, have already started Junior Firefighter programs.

Junior firefighters will attend the department’s monthly meetings, training and respond to certain emergency calls. They will seek permission to leave school for emergency calls with the understanding they will make up any work missed.

Students interested in the program are expected to have passing grades from the time they apply to the end of their service with the department. A copy of grades will be given to the chief and kept on file.

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