NATCHEZ — Adams County’s volunteer fire service is looking to find a few good men and women.

But in the next couple of weeks, that search is going to expand to looking for a few good boys and girls, as well.

Adams County Assistant Fire Coordinator Darryl Smith said he would be approaching local schools in search of youth ages 14 through 18 who are interested in joining a junior fire program.

Smith recently got approval from the Adams County Board of Supervisors to start the program, and last week he got the OK from the county’s insurance carrier.

While junior fire program participants won’t be allowed to directly fight fires for safety purposes, they will get fire training that will serve as a leg up should they want to move to the next level.

“We will show them how to work with the fire hose, the ladders and some of the basic firefighting skills,” Smith said. “They won’t be eligible to fight fires, but they can help out the volunteers in non-firefighting ways.

“It is all about trying to teach them about the fire service, and maybe once they graduate high school, they might want to join the fire department.”

Even if the program participants don’t want to become professional fire fighters, they might decide to continue on as volunteers, he said.

Smith said Chickasaw County has a similar program, and the Jonesville area used to have one, as well.

“We really just want the kids to have a little fun and learn some things about the fire service,” he said.

And for those who are too old to take part in the junior program, Smith said the county is looking to bolster its volunteer firefighter ranks. Next month, the county will start a volunteer firefighter certification program for those who are interested.

“We are still looking for people in the community to join up and help us out, because it is not about one person, it is the community, and we have got to stick together as a community,” Smith said. “A fire might break out, and soon you might need that same help (you’re giving).”

Expanding the number of volunteer firefighters is a key component of a long-term plan developed by the county and the City of Natchez to further expand countywide fire coverage.

For more information about the program or the certification classes, call Smith at 601-442-7021.