NGFD Explorer Post 702
“Our Best Today for a Better Tomorrow”
What are Explorers?
Are you a teenager that is trying to find what you would like to do in life? Are you a parent of this teen? Have an interest in the Emergency Services, but don’t know which one you would like: Police, Fire, or Ambulance? Are you between the ages of 14 and 21 years old and a resident of the Town of Greece? Well, we can give you a window of opportunity that can help you solve this question.
The North Greece Fire Department Explorer Post #702 is a program that introduces area youth to the vocation of the fire service. Using Fire Department volunteer personnel, we create practical drills and situations in which to learn from. Our Explorers are given opportunities to train in similar fashion as volunteer firefighters. This training not only assists the community; it also builds teamwork skills.
We are also a program that is closely associated with the Boy Scouts of America. Due to this, we are charged with a portion of the development of youth into future adults. This becomes possible with the expansion of their minds through education and practical learning situations.
The post is a youth-led organization. The youth officers are elected and activities are planned and implemented based on the resources of the organization, adult committee members, parents, and consultants. Each Explorer starts the post on a six month probation period. This period is a chance for the new youth to learn the Post’s work schedule. It gives them a grace period for this learning with no expectations placed upon them except attendance.
What to Expect?
The North Greece Fire Department Explorer Post #702 is a program that introduces area youth to the vocation of the fire service. Using Fire Department volunteer personnel, we create practical drills and situations in which to learn from. Our Explorers are given opportunities to train in similar fashion as volunteer firefighters. This training not only assists the community; it also builds teamwork skills.
We are also a program that is closely associated with the Boy Scouts of America. Due to this, we are charged with a portion of the development of youth into future adults. This becomes possible with the expansion of their minds through education and practical learning situations.
The post is a youth-led organization. The youth officers are elected and activities are planned and implemented based on the resources of the organization, adult committee members, parents, and consultants. Each Explorer starts the post on a six month probation period. This period is a chance for the new youth to learn the Post’s work schedule. It gives them a grace period for this learning with no expectations placed upon them except attendance.
Duties On Scene
At a major fire incident, the Explorers are responsible to setup a very important aspect to the firefighting situation. They are in charge of setting up the incident’s SCBA station. This station makes it possible for the firefighters to quickly change their air packs and reenter the manpower pool. Being at the scene allows the Explorers to actually see their training placed into practicality.
Each Explorer in this situation has to remember that this program is an introduction to the firefighting service. Explorers may not be substituted for trained firefighters. The Explorers assist the firefighters in doing their jobs, but do not fight fires. The explorers realize that one has to gain the respect, knowledge, and strength to fight fires and that the Exploring program is the first step in that process. The next choice, upon reaching the age of 18 and graduating from high school, is to join the fire service.
Further, in order to setup the air station, the Explorer has to understand the workings of the Scott air pack. This is why we train. As the firefighters have to train to keep up their skills to save lives and property, the Explorer has to train to attain his/her level. We believe that constant training, along with a dose of respect, will make a rewarded member.
Personal Benefits
We meet approximately 35 times a year. Twenty-two meetings are required to be active in the Post. Usually, we have one meeting and two drills per month. Each of these is on Tuesday night. Meetings are from 6:30PM to 7:30PM. Drills last form 6:30PM to 8:30PM. School and family will always take precedence over the Explorer Post, so during the school year, we get the youth home early. In the summertime, our drills and meetings usually go an extra hour, since there is no school the next day.
Young adults join the Explorer posts to gain insight into a variety of programs and hands-on activities that are challenging, fun-filled, and action-oriented. These activities help youth in developing their life’s goals.
The Explorer program also assists your schooling. Some of the area schools offer school credit. Each explorer is responsible for contacting their school guidance counselor for this inquiry. But, on our part, the explorer has to be active in 75% of the Posts’ functions to gain this credit. Along with school credit, there is public service. The Exploring program is a way to fulfill community service, as required by many Participation in Government classes or senior year requirements.
Contact
Following the Explorer motto, “Our best today for a better tomorrow,” the North Greece Fire District employs approximately half of its current workforce that started in the fire service as an Explorer.
Do you want to start today? If you have an interest in the North Greece Explorer Post #702, please reach us by the following avenues:
581-5403 – the North Greece Fire Department recruitment hotline. Please leave your name and number and the fact that you are interested in Post #702.
Or, send us an email by using this form:
