Connected to the F.I.R.E. Program will be a web-based internet site, www.wcaheat.com.  The site was developed and designed by students from Maple Grove Jr-Sr High School Web Design Application Computer Class who are pictured (lt. to rt): Karli, Alexandria, Tyler, Spencer; Benjamin and Emma who created several child safety projects.

Second row: Dr. Frederick Verdonik, WCA F.I.R.E. Program Director; Dustin, B.O.C.E.S. Hewes Educational Center, who is designing fire and school safety boards for the program; Beck, Eric, Brian, Cody, and Scott Cummings, Maple Grove Jr-Sr High School Teacher.

The WCA Hospital Psychology Department team, in conjunction with area agencies and other community partners, recently initiated a Fire Intervention Rehabilitation Evaluation (F.I.R.E.) Program, a hospital-based program aimed at saving lives by raising awareness of the dangers posed by juvenile fire-setters. The project was made available through grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency  U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA U.S.F.A.) and the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.

"We would not be introducing this valuable program today without your collaboration," said Larry S. Senn, WCA Vice President of Administration, at a recent  news conference.  "This project is a testament of everyone coming together for a common cause.  We plan to address early identification and develop more advanced treatment approaches for juveniles who are at risk for fire-setting.  To everyone who participated in the planning and implementation of this program, I want to say thank you."

The Fire Intervention and Rehabilitation Evaluation Program was initiated by the WCA Hospital Psychology Department and collaborates with various agencies and individuals throughout the county, including schools and physician offices.  The major importance of this project is that it provides services to youth who are lighting fires.  FBI statistics report that over 50% of all arson arrests are youths.  A growing number of arson fires are set by youths under the age  of 10.

"The purpose of this program is to save lives," said Frederick Verdonik, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist, WCA  F.I.R.E. Program Director. "Our focus is to identify youth at risk and to increase education and mental health intervention available to juvenile fire-setters.  The ultimate goal is to offer a continuum of care for juveniles at risk by networking with key agencies in the community.  Our program covers prevention, early detection, crisis management, treatment, and follow-up care."

Connected to the project will be a web-based internet site, www.wcaheat.com. H.E.A.T. (Help Eliminate Arson Terror), provides students, parents and professionals with on-line 24/7 access to a Chautauqua County web site.  The site, developed and designed by students from the Maple Grove Jr-Sr High School's Web Design Application Computer Class, will go live  in late November of 2006.  The informational site will include tips on the management of different types of fire-setters, referral resources for the evaluation and treatment of fire-setters and a means for juveniles and adults to gain knowledge of Chautauqua County fire safety resources and about types of fire setters.   The F.I.R.E. Program hospital-based staff includes: Frederick Verdonik, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist; Thom Brunner, M.A., Clinical Specialist; Kari Swanson, M.A., Clinical Specialist; Marty Strom and Donna Johnson, support staff.

For more information about the F.I.R.E. Program or to refer a child, please contact the WCA Hospital Psychology Department at (716) 664-8556.