Junior Firefighter Youth Foundation

The Junior Fire Cadet program (JFC) is the signature program of the Junior Firefighter Youth Foundation. The JFC program was first created by Captain Kwame Cooper of the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1995. This program was very successful at a local Mid-City section elementary school in Los Angeles. With the assistance of Principal Anna McClinn of the Marvin Avenue Elementary school and the members of LAFD Fire Station 68, youngsters in the 4th and 5th grade received more than an education. They received a skill set they will never forget.

The objective of the “Future Firefighter Program” is to introduce Middle and High School students to the fire service community. Many of the topics discussed will address the choices they make as well as other subjects and issues they will face as middle and high school students and young adults. The Program will attempt to expose the students to the outside world of local government and community service and help them become the leaders we know they can be. The Future Firefighter Program aims to motivate the students to become a apart of the Fire Department’s Explorer and Cadet programs.

At the end of the six week program the students will understand basic fire safety principles, how the fire department operates and how important physical fitness is for them as they prepare to enter middle school and the strict physical education requirements that are taught. The students are presented with certificates of completion and receive recognition for their efforts and hard work. The JFC program is an extension of the Junior Firefighter Youth Foundation (JRFFYF), a non-profit community based organization that was founded by Captain Brent Burton, President of the African American Firefighter Museum.

We support sending our Future Firefighter Program students to the Los Angeles Metro High School Fire Academy. The High School Fire Academy is coordinated by LAFD Battalion Chief Antoine McKnight in conjunction the Los Angeles Fire Department. It is held on the campus of the Frank Hotchkins Memorial Training Site in Elysian Park near Dodger Stadium. High School students attend for 5 Saturdays and taught basic hands on firefighter techniques and skills. So far several of our Future Firefighter Program students have attended and received awards for their achievement.

Captain Brent F. Burton was born and raised in the Crenshaw/Leimert Park district of the city of Los Angeles. At the age of 13 his father persuaded the police officer in charge of the LAPD Explorer program at the Southwest Division to allow young Burton to join the explorers. Burton graduated at the top of his explorer academy from his division and promoted through the ranks to achieve the position of Associate Advisor. At the age of 16, Burton became an Explorer Scout with the Los Angeles City Fire Department. In 1985 at the age of 19 he became a member of the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD). At the age of 21 he became a certified paramedic. At the age of 28 with 9 years on the Department, Burton promoted to the rank of Captain. At the time of his promotion, he was the youngest company officer in the Department. His demonstrated leadership and ability enabled him to earn this position. During his 28-year career in the fire service, he has been able to serve in various capacities and develop many major projects. Upon being hired with the LACoFD, Burton was introduced to the Stentorians; an organization of African American Fire Service professionals that is open to all that choose to join. It was founded in Los Angeles in 1954. Within 2 years of joining the organization, he became a member of the Executive Board. Burton served a total of 16 years on the Executive Board, 10 of those years he served as President (2000-2010). He currently serves as the President of the African American Firefighter Museum and serves as the Director of the Junior Firefighter Youth Foundation. Burton is very active in the Los Angeles community as a collaborator with many organizations, elected officials, activist and schools. Burton has assisted many young men and women in becoming firefighters and helped those on the Department promote to positions of higher authority.

Your donation will assist the Junior Firefighter Youth Foundation’s staff with our programs and Mission to improve the quality of life of at-risk youth and families in need through various supportive services in collaboration with other community-based organizations.