Junior Firefighters Learn the Ropes in Ocean City

Young firefighters searched a dark corridor and room on Monday for occupants who may have been overcome by the thick smoke that filled the residence. 

Among the junior firefighters, the rookies were the most apprehensive about trusting their equipment and plunging into the unknown.

"They see what it takes," firefighter Vito DeMarco said. 

The activities were all part of the annual Junior Firefighter Camp — an Ocean City Recreation Department program for children ages 9 to 13. The camp introduces participants to fire safety, CPR, basic first aid and firefighters' tools and skills.

The camp participants returning for their second or third season were much more comfortable with the smoky search and rescue — just as with real firefighters. Building knowledge and confidence is what the camp is all about, DeMarco said.

Participation in the camp has more than tripled since it started in 2010, and the growing popularity of the program is a reflection of both the children's interest and the enthusiasm of the instructors. This year's program accommodated 28 children.

The camp is staffed entirely by Ocean City firefighters — members of the Firemen's Mutual Benevolent Association Local No. 27 volunteering on their own time to run the program. The camp runs three hours a day for four days at Ocean City Fire Department headquarters on the 500 block of Asbury Avenue.

Monday's sessions included instruction in checking self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and basic CPR, along with the exercise in the "smoke house," a dorm area of the firehouse filled with (harmless) theater smoke used to simulate what firefighters might find on a call.

Sessions for the rest of the week include everything from rappelling to a demonstration of the Jaws of Life extrication equipment.

New this year are lessons on using mechanical advantages to move heavy objects, including the use of a Z-rig of pulleys and ropes. The kids will cap off the week with obstacle-course races and a pizza party.

The Junior Firefighter Camp is offered only once during the summer, but it is annual part part of the Ocean City Recreation Department summer programs.