Fargo Fire Explorers Post 259
The Fargo Fire Explorers Post 259 is a program dedicated to educating young adults about a career in the fire service. Explorers operate the post while being trained in fire fighting skills by advisors employed by the fire department.
Explorer training
Explorers gain hands-on knowledge of fire service skills through organized training at bi-weekly meetings. These meetings serve two purposes. The short-term goal is to provide the explorers with a basic understanding of the skills necessary to operate safely at a fire scene. After becoming familiar with required skills, explorers may ride along with fire department companies and actively participate at calls within limits set for their safety. The long-term goal is to expose explorers to the different career paths available within the fire service.
The training is typically scheduled six months at a time and may include fire behavior classes, ladder- and hose-handling classes, basic medical skills training, auto extrication, an introduction to rope rescue, etc. The post tries to schedule at least one live fire exercise a year where the separate skills taught at meetings are exercised in an environment that is as realistic as possible.
Post operation
Senior explorers are also responsible for operating the post. Post officers are elected annually by their peers to serve in different capacities similar to those of fire departments. For example, the explorer chief oversees all of the operations of the post, and an explorer assistant chief is responsible for assisting with the organization of training.
Education
The fire service has become a highly trained, well-educated profession that requires a career-long commitment to education. The explorer program assists explorers in obtaining the necessary education through scholarships. Perhaps more importantly, the explorer program develops an understanding of how to apply book knowledge to hands-on experiences. There are numerous options available for education, ranging from certificate programs at Northwest Technical College--Moorhead to masters programs at colleges across the country.
Program eligibility
This program is open to any responsible person between the ages of 16 and 21 who is willing to learn and abide by the rules, customs, and traditions of the Fargo Fire Department. For more information, please contact Justin Smith at 241-1543. The number of openings is limited by the availability of gear; therefore, those interested in the program will be considered on a first come, first-served basis.
Training Schedule
If you have any questions, please contact Firefighter Justin Smith.
jsmith@cityoffargo.com
Work: 701-241-1543
Follow the link below to learn more about exploring.
http://www.learning-for-life.org/exploring/fire/index.html