Fire Explorers
The challenge of any fire department is to recruit, promote and retain a high level of skilled and motivated men and women, who are devoted to the pursuit of maintaining the tradition and progressive excellence of the fire service profession.
The challenge of this Fire Explorer Program is two-fold. First, it is the intent of this program to offer young men and women real life experiences, training, and exposure to the career opportunities in the fire service. Second, it provides a reliable and effective means for preparing and eventually recruiting the firefighters of tomorrow from our surrounding communities.
Fire Exploring gives young people valuable insight into the fire service profession by offering hands-on career activities. This insight will help the individual to decide whether or not he or she desires to pursue a greater role in the fire service.
The Citrus County Department of Fire Rescue launched its Explorers Program in August 2009 giving 15 young adults the opportunity to experience working in the Fire Service. The program came about as a result of interest in a fire explorers program by area youth and firefighters and will be continued by the Authority.
Exploring is a young adult program sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America through the Learning for Life Program. It is designed for anyone 14 to 21 years of age that have graduated the 8th grade. The Explorer Program provides the opportunity for explorers to build desirable character attributes, experience the responsibilities of active citizenship, develop mental sharpness, and physical fitness.
Through the program, explorers get the opportunity to learn how to use most of the equipment used in fire fighting and learn about the demands of the career. Some of the things they learn are:
- SCBA, Self Contained Breathing Apparatus, how to wear it and use it
- How to use ropes and tie knots
- Hose management and water supply — getting water from the hydrant to the engine
- How to safely carry, place, and climb ladders
- Basic EMS training
- Live Fire Training
Ultimately, the explorers will get to ride along with a Fire Rescue crew and see first hand how the job is done; however they will have many hours of training before they ride with a crew.
For more information or to get involved, email Captain Chris Dozier at doz3@tampabay.rr.com.