Firefighters inspire youth camp with real-life situations

The Clay Fire Department is working on inspiring the next generation of hopeful firefighters and paramedics.

The department began Clay Fire Camp in St. Joseph County allowing children to experience what firemen and E.M.T.s do.

Every day for a week, the camp focuses on a different aspect to becoming a firefighter or paramedic.

Some of the events have included a medical helicopter evacuation and even putting out a real fire.

Kids got the chance to experience a car rescue as part of the search and rescue course Thursday.

“Every day is a different discipline but we are teaching them the different aspects of our career, our profession. Today happens to be the search and rescue techniques,” said Batallion Chief and Fire Camp coordinator Justin Stopczyski.

Kids were able to run through an inflatable obstacle course Thursday and watch a drone in operation.

Coordinators say camp-goers will get to meet bailey the arson canine on Friday.