Fill the Helmet

Youth Fire Academy Support Through IAFF Fundraising

Fill the Helmet is a community fundraising program organized by participating International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) organizations. Funds raised through local campaigns may help reduce financial barriers for students who want to attend a youth fire academy or similar public safety education program.

Participating programs may combine classroom instruction with supervised practical exercises led by experienced fire service professionals, including:

• Rappelling and rope skills.
• Search-and-rescue exercises in a smoke house.
• Vehicle extrication demonstrations.
• CPR, first aid, and bandaging.
• Fire extinguisher operation and basic fire safety.

These experiences can give young people practical safety knowledge, direct exposure to the fire service, and a clearer understanding of careers in public safety.