Katy Area Students Engage in Fire Safety Camp; Previous Cadets Now at Department

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

August 1, 2024

By Natalie Cook Clark

Westlake Fire Department held their 4th Junior Fire Camp last week. This camp continues to educate students on fire safety education and has even led to graduates joining the department.

Photo credits: Westlake Fire Department

Fire Education through Engaging Experiences

Westlake Fire Department hosted their week-long Junior Fire Camp last week where 22 students ages 12-15 learned all aspects of fire education through engaging experiences.

“Our camp provides a unique experience for every child that is unmatched by any other department,” says Westlake Fire Chief Marc Palmer. “Also, the experience of those that help put the camp together allow me to rest easy knowing the kids are in excellent hands and will be very safe.”

Bridge the Gap Between Community, First Responders

One of the camps goals is to bridge the gap between the community and first responders by offering an immersive, hands-on experience that provides an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at the world of Fire and EMS. Participants (referred to as Cadets) met various types of firefighters, including those specializing in hazardous materials (HazMat), arson investigation, and airport rescue firefighting. Throughout the week, they also learned essential fire and life safety skills, including being certified in CPR.

Westlake Fire Departments Junior Fire Camp was founded in 2019 by Captain Joe Driver when he saw something similar being done in Euless. Every year since its conception the department finds ways to make it better.

“We have a very diverse group of Cadets that come through this camp,” Stephanie Abarca. Westlake Fire Department Public Relations. “The group is made of kids from different socioeconomic backgrounds, cultures and other things that make each and every one of them unique in their own way.”

According to Abarca, some of the Cadets have said they aspire to become a Firefighter or EMT. Some Cadets use the experience to see if this work is right for them and others want to know more about fire safety. All are welcome at the camp.

Emma Hollins started as a Cadet a few years ago and now works at the department and even helps run the camp that inspired her.

"I had the privlage of working it this year and getting to connect with the Cadets," says Hollins. "The reason I want to return is because of the people, welcoming atmosphere. This is where I want to be."

“Currently we have two previous students that have applied and are currently members of the department,” says Abarca.

Many Cadets commented on how great it was to learn CPR.

"Something I was surprised at was the success rate inside hospitals for CPR and how it was low," says Cadet Kaylee Hardy. "I thought it would be much higher than outside of hospitals and it's not."

Throughout the camp, Cadets had the opportunity to go on field trips. Sites included Hobby Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Station, Port of Houston tour, and Houston Hazmat Response Station.

Cadets learned about the inner workings of the department including the finance side of things. "What surprised me was just how much money things cost, like the trucks," says Cadet Luke Kline.

Learn more about the Westlake Volunteer Fire Department, their programs, and information (when available) for next year’s Junior Fire Camp.

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