08/01/2026
June 21st-27th, 3 of our junior members (Jayden, Liam, & Caleb) attended the 2026 Caleb Benfield Challenge at the Bethlehem Fire Department. They participated in physical training, workstations, truck checks, cleaning, and a variety of other things. We recently sat down with them at their junior training night to talk about camp, what they learned, what their favorite part was, why they joined the fire service, if they planned on doing fire as their full-time job in the future, and what their future goals are. Only 2 (Liam & Jayden) of the 3 were in attendance.
Learned - how to dig a fire line, CPR certification, search and RIT, smoke behavior, water rescue, deploying hose
Favorites - forestry work with the NC Forestry Division, forcible entry, water rescue, deploying hose
Why did they join the fire service? - They both joined the fire service because of family members. Both of their dads are in the fire service and are currently members of Rosewood Fire Department.
Are they going to be full-time firefighters? - No, however they do plan to continue to volunteer and serve the community.
Future Goals - Jayden plans to continue to serve his community as a volunteer and go to ECU for his construction management degree. Liam plans to attend a good college and also obtain a degree in construction.
We are extremely proud of our juniors and the time that they commit to serve their community. They are part of the next generation of firefighters that will continue to do great things, learn, and advance in life and in the fire service.
