West Palm Beach Fire Department to Graduate 2nd Junior Alerts Class
Published on July 28, 2025

July 28, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contacts: Kathleen Joy, Director of Communications
City of West Palm Beach – Mayor’s Office
kjoy@wpb.org
(561) 822-1411 (TTY: 800-955-8771)
City of West Palm Beach Fire Department to Graduate 2nd Junior Alerts Class
WEST PALM BEACH, FL (July 28, 2025) - After seven weeks of intensive training, more than a dozen West Palm Beach teenagers will celebrate their achievements on Monday, August 4, 2025, at 2 p.m., as the City’s Fire Department graduates its second Junior Alerts class at Fire Station 3, 5050 Broadway.
Every Monday throughout the summer, teens from the Florence De George Boys & Girls Club trained side by side with West Palm Beach firefighters at Station 3, learning leadership, responsibility, discipline, and teamwork. The program builds confidence while teaching essential life skills, integrity, and character.
The Junior Alerts program gives students hands-on experience with the skills and qualities required to become a firefighter or paramedic. Participants learned how to respond to a fire or accident scene, properly operate a fire extinguisher, pull fire hoses, maneuver in approximately 40 pounds of protective “bunker” gear, rappel safely, and master a variety of other professional fire service techniques.
“We are not only exposing them to a career in fire rescue; we are also helping them become better citizens,” said Chief Diana Matty. “They will have learned basic first aid, CPR, and other life-saving measures that could save a life at home or at school. These teens are our future lifesavers and leaders.”
The summer program is led by West Palm Beach firefighters in cooperation with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. It also includes teen volunteers from Palm Beach Lakes High School’s Fire Academy, who mentor participants one-on-one, share their own experiences, and encourage them to consider careers in fire service.
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About The City of West Palm Beach
The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic city on Florida's Atlantic coast. With a rich history, thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is a great place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region and the central city of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing waterfront city that seamlessly blends the business advantages available in the area with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working, making it an exceptional destination for both residents and professionals alike. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit our official website or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and LinkedIn.
To contact the City of West Palm Beach, please dial (561) 822-1200 (TTY 800 955-8771). For information about the City of West Palm Beach, please visit: https://www.wpb.org/home