In many areas of the country, fire departments have implemented junior firefighter programs to help recruit new members. Some departments have experienced great success with the programs, and others have had a difficult time. In addition, some firefighters speak favorably and fully support the programs, and others are against them. On tonight's show, host Tom Merrill and his guest will examine both sides of the issue and discuss the benefits as well as the challenges of having a Junior Firefighter program in our departments. 

Our guest tonight is Chief Jeff Cash, who has been in the fire service for over 35 years serving in both career and volunteer departments. He is currently the chief of the Cherryville (North Carolina) FD – a position he has held since 1986 and is the past president of the North Carolina Firemen’s Association and serves as the North Carolina director to the National Volunteer Fire Council – also sits on the NVFC Executive Committee and is a member of the NVFC Junior Firefighter Program Advisory Group.

We welcome your input is well. Feel free to call in and discuss junior programs or anything else on your mind concerning our great volunteer fire service