Missoula, MT – A new opportunity is available for teenagers in Mineral County to serve their community and gain valuable life skills, thanks to a Superior High School student. Anthony Dodd, a 16-year-old high school junior, has initiated a program that allows 16 and 17-year-olds to train with the Superior Volunteer Fire Department, giving them firsthand experience on fire calls while learning how to protect and serve their community.
The inspiration for the program came from Anthony’s own experience working with the Forest Service and watching his father, Scott Dodd, serve as the fire department chief in Superior. “I got to do work with the fire crew and I was really inspired by working with them, so I asked my dad if there was any way I could join them,” Anthony said.
Scott Dodd, who has dedicated years of service to the community as fire chief, expressed pride in his son’s decision to follow in his footsteps. “The earlier we can get people exposed to it and see if it’s something they enjoy or want to pursue long-term, it really puts everybody in a better spot,” he remarked.
Volunteers play a critical role in smaller communities, and fire service is no exception. According to the National Fire Protection Association, as of 2020, approximately 65 percent of firefighters nationwide are volunteers. Recognizing the importance of strengthening fire teams, Anthony took the initiative to expand and improve Superior’s junior firefighter program, which had previously existed only in a limited capacity.
Anthony worked tirelessly with local insurance agencies, the school board, and other organizations to ensure the program would meet safety standards. “Junior firefighters go through lifesaving training, work around the station, and even help out on calls,” he explained. Though the work is often demanding, Anthony believes the experience is invaluable. “For the juniors, it’s hard. There’s a lot of restrictions and some of the jobs seem very tedious, but I think they’re the most important jobs and it’s the most rewarding when you get to be a part of the crew,” he added.
Last week, Anthony presented the junior firefighter program to 10th and 11th graders at Superior High School in an effort to inspire them to follow a similar path. “The goal of the assembly was really to spark something for them that sparked for me,” Anthony shared.
The impact of Anthony’s initiative is already being felt at Superior High School. Principal Angie Gray said the program is even influencing the school’s curriculum, with discussions about adding CPR and first aid components to existing classes. “We’re actually talking about if we can fit in a CPR and first aid component to one of our classes,” Gray explained.
Already, a number of students have signed up to participate in the junior firefighter program, helping to ensure the future of rural fire service and fostering a greater sense of community involvement among local youth.
Anthony’s vision is clear: to strengthen rural fire teams and create opportunities for young people to serve their communities. “Being a volunteer in a small community, I feel it’s more important to be well-rounded as a community and work with everybody,” he said.
Applications for the junior firefighter program are available at Superior High School, the Superior Volunteer Fire Station, or by contacting Anthony directly via email at anthonydodd06@gmail.com.
