LEONARD GRAY

Luling teen works as junior firefighter PHOTO: Brandon Ledbetter of Luling is a junior firefighter with the Luling Fire Department. He provides help for the adult firefighters which helps the manpower needs in emergency situations. His duties include changing air tanks, picking up hoses after a fire and setting up rehab areas for firefighters who need a break. LULING – Brandon Ledbetter would see the fire trucks roll from the station near his home and wonder what went on at the place. Now, as a junior firefighter, he knows quite well. Ledbetter, 14, used to live two houses down from the Luling Volunteer Fire Department station on St. Anthony Street. Now, he lives across the street and his nearness to the station is one of many ways he has made himself valuable to the department’s operations. Like any other junior firefighter, Ledbetter does not actually fight fires. However, he provides help for the adult firefighters which helps the manpower needs in emergency situations. These include changing air tanks, picking up hoses after a fire and setting up rehab areas for firefighters who need a break. “They do anything a firefighter does except fight fires,” explained John Heath, training officer for the department. They also assist at fire prevention programs and at fund-raising events. Heath added the junior firefighters train alongside the adults, getting all the knowledge and background necessary so when they turn 18 years old, they can step right into the firefighter role. Ledbetter, said Heath, “is one of the most active and hardest working.” Ledbetter will be a sophomore at Hahnville High School in the fall and is already active in Junior Air Force ROTC, Explorer Post 15 and baseball. His future plans may include joining the Air Force, but right now, he is focused on a trip to France with the school’s French Club, July 12-24. However, Ledbetter’s first love is the fire department. “I’d like to have 10 more like him,” Heath said.