Firefighter for the Day Expands and Continues

Earlier this year the Brigantine Fire Department started a program called “Firefighter for the Day”. It was original conceived to bring kids with special needs into the fire station for the day to work along with the on duty shift. The child was fitted with a blue firefighter t-shirt provided by the Firefighters Union and went through some of the normal duties that the firefighters perform each day. They checked over the equipment, running the Jaws of Life Tools, spraying water, and being “one of the crew”. The child then had lunch with the on duty firefighters and was able to see the operation of the department from the inside. Several times during their visits, interruptions were caused by emergency calls but they were able to see the firefighters gear up and respond.

The Firefighter for the Day program has now been expanded to include all kids. Through the Brigantine North School, students are nominated by their teachers for various achievements. The school sends the nominees names and the visit is scheduled with the parents.