New York City, NY, USA: The prestigious National Junior Firefighter of the Year award, backed by California Casualty, recognises exceptional young volunteers for their leadership, commitment, and service to community safety.
Indian American teen Jiya Jadhav has been honoured with the 2025 National Junior Firefighter of the Year award by the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC).
Seventeen-year-old Jadhav, currently a senior at New Hyde Park Memorial High School, became a member of the New Hyde Park Junior Fire Department in 2022. She quickly advanced through the ranks to serve as Captain before recently joining the New Hyde Park Fire Department as a full member.
The NVFC praised Jadhav for her “dedication, leadership, and relentless pursuit of excellence.” She held the top attendance record among 75 junior members and led three important committees — event planning, fundraising, and social media — spearheading projects that increased community involvement and promoted the fire department’s mission.
Her training and volunteer work have included fire and vehicle rescue drills, participating in local parades, and joining the Youth Women in Fire Service Day. In 2024, she won first place in the gear donning drill competition at Camp Fahrenheit, outperforming 48 other junior firefighters.
Jadhav also represented her department on an international level through the Germany–U.S. Exchange Program, achieving a Level 2 German firefighting certification.
In a video shared by the Village of New Hyde Park, she explained that she joined the department “to be a part of our community,” noting that her mother inspired her to participate. “I applied for the award, got nominated, and ultimately won,” Jadhav said.
Sharing advice for younger volunteers, she added, “Never give up, and if you dedicate yourself, you can achieve anything.”
Neil Brogan, director of the New Hyde Park Junior Fire Department, praised Jadhav’s contributions, saying, “She immediately got involved, led multiple committees, and helped elevate our program. Last year, we were recognised as the best Junior Fire Department in New York State, and now Jiya is the top Junior Firefighter in the nation. She has set the standard for excellence.”
Jadhav’s parents expressed their appreciation for the guidance she received, stating, “We are so thankful to Laura and all the advisors for mentoring her and letting her thrive. Helping the community runs in our family — her grandfather served in the army. We congratulate Jiya on this outstanding achievement as National Junior Firefighter of the Year.”
The NVFC officially recognised Jadhav and other awardees at its spring conference in Alexandria, Virginia, in May 2025. “Volunteers in fire service contribute immensely to their communities, and these awardees truly embody that spirit,” said NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch.
Jadhav will receive further national recognition from the Children of First Responders Association during a ceremony in Times Square, New York City, on October 28 at 10 a.m.
