Spencer Herron’s love for firefighting goes way back to his early days. He’s currently a senior at Shepaug, as well as firefighter. Spencer began in the junior program when he was just 14, and at 18 years old became a full-fledged firefighter. The National Junior Firefighter Program goal is to “give our nation’s youth the chance to learn about local fire, rescue, and emergency medical services response organizations in a safe, controlled, educational, and fun way and provides them with valuable life skills such as teamwork, leadership, responsibility, and commitment.”

Like many others in the force, Spencer has a strong passion for fighting fires and helping others. Not only has he helped others but in a sense he has also helped himself.

“(Firefighting) has impacted (my life) positively, and it gave me an idea of what I want to do in my life.” Said Herron. “Some guys do it just to volunteer to do a good deed which I still think is good. Some guys like me just fell in love with it.”

The National Volunteer Fire Council launched the junior program back in 2007, in order to support fire departments as well as engaging the youth in emergency services until they eventually become members. They launched the program “where departments can find the resources, tools, and information they need to develop and manage a program and where youth can find the information and resources to participate.

“I’ve learned a lot about tools, situations such as water in the basement, stove malfunctions, I’ve also learned some things in trades like electrician and mechanic work” said Spencer.

Spencer’s school senior project also is heavily influenced by his passion for firefighting. “I’m raising awareness about how to join your local fire department. I’m doing this because you don’t see too many young faces anymore especially in the department and we have a whole high school of possible candidates if they decided to.” said Spencer. “Right now in my fire department I’m one of two guys, One who’s 28 and then there’s me and another probie who’s still 17.”

After Spencer gets out of highschool, he plans on continuing his work in the fire department. He plans on either being a part of airborne infantry or a military firefighter. I’ve been putting applications in to many departments in the tristate area of New York and New Jersey. He said “I want to be in the FDNY and do 30 years”

Clearly Spank’s intense passion for firefighting is present as he plans to be in the fire department for a good deal of his life. When asked what he enjoys most about being a firefighter, he stated, “Knowing that at the end of the day that no matter the call, I’m helping people and their lives and making an impact.”

Spencer Herron is a man who cares about others and wants to make a positive impact on their lives, and he encourages others to do the same.