The West Virginia State Fire Academy’s National Junior Firefighter Camp had a visitor in Weston Monday.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore-Capito toured the academy and addressed campers.
The Fire Academy is operated by West Virginia University Fire Service Extension and is host to the national camp, which started in 2006.
The camp is used to encourage a new generation of volunteer firefighters and is the only one of its kind nationally.
“The National Junior Firefighter Camp is incredibly unique, and provides an unparalleled opportunity for our youth to learn about what it takes to be a firefighter. I have long advocated for resources to our fire departments as a member, and former chairman, of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, and will continue to make certain they have the support needed to do their job safely,” Capito said.
Mark Lambert, the WVU Fire Service Extension director, said that in the 10 years he’s been there, Capito is the first U.S. or state official they’ve had visit and that he was thrilled to show her around and let her meet the campers.
“I’m hopeful that this camp will help inspire the next generation of fire, EMS and police personnel here in West Virginia,” Lambert said.