Gainesville Fire Rescue's Youth Programs include the Junior Fire Academy for middle school students, and Explorer Post 972 for students age 14-18.

The Junior Fire Academy, created internally in 2003, was developed for students ages 11-13 with a keen interest in the fire service. Classes will be at the Kiwanis Safety City complex at 825 NE 13th Street next to the Gainesville Fire Rescue Administration building with portions of the GFR Drill Field across the street at Fire Station #3.  The program will be offered during the summer and invite any students interested in emergency services to sign up. 

Students who qualify for the program must complete the application and answer several essay-style questions designed to measure their desire and ability to deliver a fire safety message to their peers and neighbors. The Academy will include hands-on fire service programs, such as working with fire hoses, ladders and fire extinguishers, as well as classroom sessions including fire behavior, recognition of home fire hazards, and presenting lessons developed on fire safety practices to fellow candidates. There will also be fitness exercise programs and simulated firefighting activities to test the candidates' physical and mental abilities.

The program will conclude with a graduation ceremony where the candidates will earn the rank of "Junior Firefighter" for Gainesville Fire Rescue. The successful candidate will be expected to deliver fire safety information in their home and neighborhood and serve as a role model for younger children by demonstrating good fire safety habits

Applications can be picked up at any Gainesville Fire Station or downloaded below.  Interested families can call Gainesville Fire Rescue at 352-334-5065 for more information.