Boston Fire Department

We are an organization of dedicated professionals committed to serving the community by protecting life, property, and the environment through prevention, education, emergency medical services, civil defense, and fire services.

We protect all Boston residents, as well as the hundreds of thousands of people who work, shop, and visit the city. Learn more about the Boston Fire Department and how our divisions work together.

The Boston Fire Teen Academy aims to introduce youth between the ages of 14 and 18 to careers in the fire department. Established in 2017, the core principles of the program are leadership, integrity, responsibility, respect, confidence, and teamwork. For public safety, we target underrepresented communities within Boston, including people of color and women, while the program remains open to all BPS/Boston residents.

Each summer, we aim to host 40-50 teens.

Led by firefighter mentors, we work with teens to promote health and wellness while introducing them to the work of the fire department. Additionally, professionals from various other trades and industries come to share their expertise, amplifying the core principles and relating them to life skills and career preparation. Past presenters have included entrepreneurs discussing how to start a business, local tradespeople like electricians and plumbers, admissions representatives offering college preparation tips, and financial advisors talking about financial literacy and responsibility.

Human resources professionals also share information on resumes and interviews.

Through presentations, field trips, experiential learning, and CPR training, teens gain a solid foundation, building life skills and transferable skills that will open doors to successful opportunities in their future
- Participate in daily physical training (PT) to maintain physical fitness and meet program requirements.
- Observe workshops and actively take notes during presentations to enhance learning.
- Engage in conversations and contribute to discussions during workshops to promote an interactive learning environment.
- Present during group assignments and participate in small breakout sessions, showcasing teamwork and communication skills.
- Participate in group activities to foster collaboration and develop leadership skills.
- Interest in public safety with a specific interest in becoming a firefighter or first responder.
- Interest in participating in physical activities, including calisthenics, running, push-ups, etc.
- Good communication skills or a strong interest in improving communication skills.
- Interest in being part of a team environment, with the desire to be a good leader and/or teammate.