RVC Resident Named Junior Firefighter of the Year

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has named Rockville Centre's Andrew Krahm the 2013 Junior Firefighter of the Year.

Krahm will be honored with the other 2013 NVFC award winners at a special banquet at the NVFC’s spring meeting on May 10 in Alexandria, Va.

Krahm had joined a nearby fire department's junior firefighter program a few years ago when he decided that his home department, the Rockville Centre Fire Department, needed its own program. After countless hours drafting bylaws and presenting them to fire department and community officials, he made the program a reality in fall 2011.

Shortly after the program's start, Krahm was elected the first captain in its history, a role he still holds. As captain he organizes monthly meetings and trainings, coaches other members, and serves as liaison with parents, advisors, and the department.

After Hurricane Sandy, as the national spotlight dimmed and local relief efforts dwindled, Krahm worked with area departments to organize a pancake fundraiser to benefit a hard-hit local fire department. In addition to initiating the event, he also went door-to-door to sell tickets. One of his primary goals is promoting volunteerism and helping his community.

Krahm will receive a trip to Alexandria to attend the NVFC’s awards banquet, a personalized award, a complimentary one-year membership in the NVFC and a $1,000 training/education stipend. His fire department honored his achievement during a presentation on March 10 at a department meeting.

For more information on the NVFC’s National Junior Firefighter Program, visit www.nvfc.org/juniors.