The Columbia-Richland Fire Department was proud to recognize seven kids from our area that successfully completed our Youth Academy on Friday July 21, 2023.
Each child received a certificate of competition during a brief graduation ceremony held at CRFD Headquarters. The ceremony capped two weeks of the kids being exposed to lessons on the fire service and how to succeed in the working world.
“I am truly impressed with what our department has been able to accomplish through this summer youth academy,” said CRFD Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “Working in partnership with the Columbia Urban League, it has been our goal for these kids to leave this academy with skills they can use to better themselves and their communities. I look forward to seeing how we can grow this program in the coming years.”
Kids who took part in the CRFD Youth Academy were placed by the Columbia Urban League, which is a multi-service, non-profit agency that promotes financial stability and racial inclusion in our communities. Programs that promote education, youth empowerment and economic and quality of life empowerment are just a few offered by the Urban League.
From July 10 through July 21 participants in the academy were at CRFD each weekday for about four hours per day. During that time they took part in discussions that covered the history of the fire department as well as what goes in to daily operations. The kids also received lessons in basic life-saving medical care (i.e. CPR, tourniquet usage) as well as how to use a fire extinguisher .A few of the final lessons covered during the academy focused on how to apply for jobs, dress for success and effectively interview for a job.
Congratulations to our CRFD Youth Academy Graduates!
Ashton Adeyemi Landon Bannister
Joshua Croffie Tyler Johnson
Jeremiah Nichols James Shuler
Daeshawn Stukes
