West Palm Beach Fire Department launches third annual Jr. Alerts Program to build youth leadership skills and community engagement through hands-on training

West Palm Beach, Florida – The West Palm Beach Fire Department has officially launched the third year of its Jr. Alerts Program, a summer initiative aimed at giving local teenagers hands-on exposure to emergency services while helping them build leadership and life skills.

The program began on June 22 at Fire Station 3 in Northwood Harbor, where returning students from the Florence De George Boys & Girls Club were welcomed back for another season of learning and mentorship. This year also marks an expansion of the program, with participants from the Max M. Fisher Boys & Girls Club joining for the first time, widening its reach across the community.

Officials say the goal of Jr. Alerts is not only to introduce teens to firefighting but also to help them develop discipline, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility that extends far beyond the fire station.

Throughout the summer, participants will take part in a variety of structured activities designed to simulate real-world emergency service experiences. These include firefighting demonstrations, CPR training sessions, and emergency preparedness exercises. The teens will also participate in physical fitness activities and receive mentorship directly from West Palm Beach firefighters.

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Beyond technical exposure, the program places strong emphasis on personal growth. Organizers say the combination of physical training, teamwork-based tasks, and community service projects helps young participants develop confidence and leadership qualities in a supportive environment.

Speaking about the program’s mission, Captain Brandon Simmons of the West Palm Beach Fire Department highlighted the broader purpose behind the initiative.

“This program is about more than firefighting, it’s about developing future leaders and strengthening our community through mentorship and service,” said Captain Brandon Simmons, with the West Palm Beach Fire Department. “Expanding the program to a second Boys & Girls Club reflects our department’s commitment to investing in the next generation while living our Community First mission.”

The Jr. Alerts Program has become an important part of the department’s community outreach efforts. Officials say it helps build trust between firefighters and local youth while also encouraging participants to see themselves as active contributors to their neighborhoods.

By working directly with firefighters, teens gain insight into the demands and responsibilities of emergency response work. At the same time, they are encouraged to apply those lessons in everyday life, whether through teamwork at school, volunteer service, or simply making responsible decisions in their communities.

The program also introduces participants to the importance of public safety awareness. Lessons in CPR and emergency preparedness are designed to equip them with practical skills that could make a difference in critical situations, even outside a firefighting career path.

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For many of the students involved, the experience offers a rare opportunity to step into a professional environment and learn directly from first responders who serve their city daily.

As the program continues through the summer, firefighters hope the Jr. Alerts initiative will leave a lasting impact, inspiring more young people to pursue leadership roles and stay engaged in community service long after the program ends.

With its continued growth and expanding participation, the Jr. Alerts Program reflects a broader effort by the West Palm Beach Fire Department to invest in youth development while strengthening ties across the community it serves.