Saturday, November 8, 2025
MANSON — For more than two decades, the Manson Fire District 5 Junior Firefighters program has been shaping young lives through teamwork, training, and community service. What began as an idea in a conversation between Manson Fire Chief Arnold Baker and the district’s insurance agent has evolved into one of the most successful youth firefighter programs in North Central Washington.
“He was the one who suggested the idea and confirmed that our insurance would support it,” Baker said. “We moved forward with the program shortly after that meeting.”
The program invites 16- and 17-year-old students to explore the world of fire, rescue, and emergency medical services in a safe, structured, and engaging environment. Through hands-on learning and mentorship, participants gain essential life skills — teamwork, leadership, responsibility, and commitment — that serve them well both in and beyond the firehouse.
“This is a volunteer commitment that often spans generations,” he said. “Many of our junior firefighters have parents who proudly serve or have served as volunteers before them.”
During the week of Oct. 6, Manson’s Junior Firefighters — Austin Pratt, Cooper Penski, Hanna Lyman, and Mac Richmond — joined firefighter Wayne Worzella to deliver interactive fire safety lessons to more than 250 Manson Elementary students.
“This partnership between Manson Firefighters and Manson Schools has been growing strong for years,” said school nurse Michelle Rogge. “We were thrilled to welcome the fire department for a week of fire prevention education, and Manson’s Tower 51 visit was the perfect finale.”
The week’s highlight featured Manson’s aerial platform truck, Tower 51, when firefighter Raynor Baker treated Superintendent Tabitha Mires and Elementary Principal Ben Rippi to a sky-high ride above the school parking lot.
“For me, stepping into the bucket was a first,” said Superintendent Mires. “It was a mix of thrill and nerves, but such a cool way to see things from a whole new perspective. I’m grateful I got to experience it, and that Mr. Rippi gave me the nudge to go for it.”
Each day included five demonstrations tailored for kindergarten through fifth grade. Junior Firefighters suited up from the boots up, explaining how each layer of gear — from protective clothing to the face mask and air tank — shields them from heat, flames, and smoke. Students even had the chance to lift pieces of the gear, gaining a firsthand appreciation for the strength the job requires.
Rogge said fire safety education is more than a school lesson — it’s a life skill.
“For me, it’s vital that students understand fire safety, not just the basics, but how to respond if a fire happens at home. They need to know who to call, what firefighters look like in gear, and how to stay calm. When children are frightened, they tend to hide, and that’s the last thing we want in an emergency.”
“A big thank you to Raynor Baker and all the firefighters and junior firefighters who joined us and helped make Fire Prevention Week such a tremendous success,” she said. “It’s through partnerships like these that we’re able to offer truly meaningful experiences to our students.”
On Oct. 8, the Junior Firefighters joined veteran volunteers at their weekly training session at Fire Station #2 on Wapato Lake Road. The energy and focus in the room reflected the department’s dedication to safety and skill development.
“We cover a wide range of topics, from technical skills to hands-on fire training,” said Training Officer Raynor Baker. “Much of it is mandated by Washington State, and it’s my responsibility to ensure everyone stays up to date. In addition to quarterly CPR, First Aid, and AED certification, the State requires ‘Live Fire Training’ every three years — but here in Manson, we hold live training annually.”
The training is rigorous and realistic, preparing participants for the demands of emergency response.
Manson High School senior and Junior Firefighter Cooper Penski said mastering lifesaving skills has been the most challenging part of the program.
“Mastering CPR was definitely the hardest,” Penski said. “You have to be precise with compressions and breaths. It’s critical because someone’s life could depend on it.”
He added that the experience has taught him how to stay calm when it matters most.
“Learning how to stay calm under pressure and channel fear into action — that’s huge,” he said. “I use that skill every day, whether I’m in class, on the field, or responding to a call with the fire department.”
After graduation, Penski plans to attend Spokane Falls Community College and pursue a career as a physical education teacher.
Manson High School senior Hanna Lyman described her experience with heartfelt reflection.
“I realized just how real it all was,” she said. “This wasn’t just a volunteer gig — it was about saving lives and making a difference. I’ve gained skills that not only help others but also protect me in dangerous situations. The training was tough, but I learned to push through because there’s always a greater purpose waiting on the other side.”
Lyman plans to continue serving as a firefighter, earn her EMT certification, and possibly become a paramedic. She’s also a writer and hopes to one day publish her nonfiction work.
“Who knows,” she said with a smile, “maybe I’ll write about firefighting someday.”
Another senior, 17-year-old Mac Richmond, said the most surprising aspect of the program is the level of real responsibility.
“One of the most surprising things about being a junior firefighter is how much responsibility we’re actually given,” Richmond said. “It’s not just attending drills — we’re expected to show up and assist during real fire calls. Thanks to my certifications, including a Red Cross card, CPR, and First Aid, I’m able to respond to emergencies, help fight fires, and even contribute to saving lives.”
He added that the camaraderie within the department has been invaluable.
“What’s really stood out to me is how welcoming and supportive everyone has been. I’ve built strong relationships with other volunteers, and those connections have led to incredible learning experiences.”
Richmond plans to study history — his favorite subject — at UC Berkeley.
“By studying history and getting a great education,” he said, “I know I’ll have a wide range of opportunities to explore.”
The Junior Firefighters’ commitment extends beyond the firehouse. On Oct. 11, they joined veteran firefighters for the “Walk for Air,” a 2.8-mile trek from Fire Station #2 to Station #1 in downtown Manson. The event raised awareness for firefighter health and honored their dedication to the community.
Clad in full firefighting gear — more than 100 pounds of equipment — they marched together, led by an engine with lights flashing. Though Junior Firefighter Cooper Penski was sidelined by a football injury, he supported his teammates by driving the command truck.
The walk symbolized more than endurance; it reflected unity, service, and the spirit of volunteerism that defines Manson Fire District 5.
To learn more about the Manson Junior Firefighter program, contact Fire Chief Arnold Baker at 509-687-3222 or visit Fire Station #1 at 250 Manson Blvd.
Norm Manly contributed to this report.
Quinn Propst: 509-731-3590 or quinn@ward.media.
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