NORTHAMPTON FIRE CADET SUMMER CAMP 2026

The 4th annual Northampton Fire Cadet Summer Camp was held July 6 - 10, 2026.

Utilizing generous donations from individuals and businesses, the camp was fully funded resulting in no cost to the participants whose age ranged from 11 through 15 years old.

The camp began with a presentation and demonstration provided by the Northampton VFW.  Cadets were instructed in the history of the flag, how to fold the flag and flag etiquette.  Each day the cadets marched to the flagpole in front of the fire station to raise the flag in the morning and lower the flag in the afternoon.

Other activities for the week included fire extinguisher training, water rescue training including the use of our under water drone, a review of home fire escape plans, fire safety house, fire appartatus and station tour, personal protective equipment and Air Pak demonstrations, tour and demonstrations at the Whitehall Fire Department's training tower, a tour of the Allentown Fire Department's Mack South Training Academy as well as a presentation given by Captain Hammel, a presentation given by Pastor Chuck and Pastor Chad regarding their roles as our Fire Chaplains, rope and knots training, wildland fire training provided by Lehigh County Station 99 Forestry Task Force,  rescue tool operation (Jaws of Life) as well as Stop the Bleed, First Aid and basics of CPR training provided by Northampton Regional EMS. 

The week wrapped up on Saturday with a graduation ceremony featuring remarks given by PA State Representative Zach Mako, Fire Chief Keith Knoblach and Camp Director / Assistant Chief Barry Frantz. 

Presented for the first time was the Captain Michael A. Booke Award presented to the cadet who best exemplified being a friend and mentor, leadership ability, and identifying challenges and providing solutions to solve them.  This award is given in memory of Captain Booke who passed away in the Line of Duty while participating in water rescue training in November 2025.  Captain Booke was a valued instructor who is deeply missed. The award was presented to Ashton Werkheiser.

A highlight of graduation was a demonstration by cadets of hose line and nozzle operations as well as hydraulic spreader operation where cadets (and parents) were tasked to pick up an egg without breaking it.   

 Quite an eventful week!