Joining the Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Department at 14 is a move that benefited Jean Daniher far beyond learning rescue skills.

She was able to earn an associate degree and a registered nurse’s license for free through the Community College of Allegheny County solely because of her status as an active firefighter.

“It has helped me in so many ways,” said Daniher, 20.

Now, she is hoping to raise awareness of the department and the impact of membership through a Junior Fire Camp aimed at teens 13-17. The camp is scheduled for June 22-23 at the fire stations in Sharpsburg and Aspinwall.

Hosted by the newly merged Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services — comprised of the Sharpsburg and Aspinwall volunteer departments — the camp will expose young adults to the role of a junior firefighter. The department currently has only two.

Participants will learn how to handle a fire extinguisher and hose lines, watch a vehicle rescue extraction and observe an interior search and rescue.

The cost is $35 and includes a T-shirt, water bottle, bag and lunch. Space is limited.

Teens will get rides between the two halls on fire engines, trucks and rescue vehicles.

Ethan Strain, 15, of Sharpsburg has spent the past eight months training as a junior member.

“In that time, I have learned and enjoyed a lot of hands-on activities such as forcible entry, climbing ladders and how to size up a building on a fire scene,” Strain said.

“What I believe is the best thing is helping the community and having events to interact with the people in the community.”

Daniher, who serves as chair of the public outreach committee, said the camp is aimed at bolstering the ranks of younger members.

“This fire camp will expose kids to what the fire service is all about,” she said. “We can help them get connected to the department in their community, so everyone wins.”

Jean’s dad, Mike Daniher, is chief of the merged fire department. He said one of the perks of joining forces is that “we now have enough members to have active committees from diverse backgrounds to come up with creative ideas to help the department grow and evolve.

“The fire camp is a great example of that,” he said.

To apply, visit aspinwall-volunteer-fire-department.square.site.

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