Blount County Fire & EMS
Jr. Fire AcademyAre you interested in learning what it is like to be a firefighter or emergency responder?
About Our Program
Our Co-Directors
Jonathan Ledbetter
Jonathan Ledbetter serves as co-director and brings over two decades of fire service experience, beginning his service in 1998 with Allgood Volunteer Fire Department. He later served as the fire chief of the Susan Moore Fire Department and currently works as a Firefighter/Paramedic with Oneonta Fire and Rescue Service. In addition, he serves as a Community Risk Reduction Specialist with the Alabama Fire College, focusing on prevention and preventing fire fatalities throughout the state. He holds a multitude of certifications from the Alabama Fire College, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Safety Administration.
Vanessa Hill
Vanessa Hill serves as co-director for the Blount County Fire Association’s Junior Fire Academy. She has volunteered for Holly Springs Fire Department for almost 30 years as a certified firefighter and EMT. She also holds certifications for Fire Fighter II, Fire Instructor I, Apparatus Operator Mobile Water Supply, Apparatus Operator Pumper, and Rope I. Vanessa is a nurse practitioner serving the veterans at the Birmingham VA Medical Center. She and her husband, Chris (Fire Chief Holly Springs Fire Department), have made it a priority to instill the desire to serve their community in their children who are also certified firefighters volunteering for Holly Springs Fire Department.
Our Volunteers
The heart of the Blount County Jr. Fire Academy is our volunteers. Each year, between 40 and 50 dedicated firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, law enforcement personnel, and public safety professionals give their time to invest in the next generation. Every instructor is properly certified, screened, and approved to volunteer with the academy, bringing real-world experience and a passion for mentoring young people.
What makes this program special is not just the training — it is the people behind it. Our volunteers spend long hours teaching, encouraging, mentoring, and building confidence in each student who attends. Many take vacation time away from their own families and careers simply because they believe in giving back and helping shape the future of the fire service and emergency services profession.
Their commitment goes far beyond the classroom or training ground. They create an environment where students are challenged, supported, and inspired to grow as leaders, teammates, and individuals. The impact these volunteers make often lasts far beyond camp week, leaving students with lessons, memories, and relationships that stay with them for years to come.
Our Academy
The Junior Fire Academy is a structured, hands-on, youth development program that introduces students to the fundamentals of firefighting, emergency response, and fire safety. Through a mix of classroom instruction, practical skill stations, and team-based challenges, cadets learn basic fireground operations, equipment familiarity, physical conditioning, leadership, and safety protocols. The academy emphasizes responsibility, discipline, teamwork, and community service, preparing young participants for future public safety roles and fostering positive relationships between youth and fire service professionals.
Who is it for?
Junior Fire Academy: A hands-on experience for youth ages 14 – 18 or students in 8th – 12th grades to explore the daily operations of Fire & EMS departments!
Are you interested in learning what it is like to be a firefighter or emergency responder?
In addition to teaching teamwork and learning what it takes to become a firefighter, you will be immersed in the life of the Fire and EMS service.
- Camp is open to students from anywhere in the U.S.
- Students must be between 14 and 18.
- Students must be capable of strenuous physical activity.
What to Expect
- Students will follow all Blount County BOE policies and procedures, including technology use guidelines, as outlined in the current parent/student handbook and the current student code of conduct.
- Students will not be allowed to have cell phones.
- Students will follow the directions of the Academy Directors and Staff at all times.
- Students are NOT allowed to leave the camp early without expressed permission from the camp director. If you have any questions, text or call Jonathan Ledbetter at (205) 353-2348 or Vanessa Hill at (205) 337-2185.
What Drives Us
Our Mission
The Blount County Fire & EMS Services Jr fire Academy exist to educate, mentor and inspire young people by introducing them to the values, skills and traditions of the fire service. Through hands-on training, team work and leadership development, the program builds confidence, discipline and a commitment to the fire service and serving their community. Our mission is to prepare the next generation of leaders by instilling integrity, work ethic and a passion for helping others.
Our Vision
We envision a future where young people recognize the fire service not just as an emergency response system, but as a meaningful path to lifelong service, leadership and career opportunity. The Jr Fire Academy is committed to shaping, informed, capable young adults who understand that the fire service offers both a respected profession as well as a civic calling and duty to serve their community as a volunteer.
Upcoming Events
June 7 -11 2027
Junior Fire Academy: A hands-on experience for students in 7th – 12th grades to explore the daily operations of Fire & EMS departments!
HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2026
