by Ronda Lickteig
R-T News Writer
When asked, a lot of children say they want to be firefighters when they grow up – mostly because they think of firefighters as heroes who “save the day” in an emergency. A program offered through the Trenton Fire Department gives youth an opportunity to see exactly what a firefighter’s job entails and how a fire department operates.
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Trenton Fire Explorer Post #207 came about when firefighters received a DVD in the mail on the Fire Service Explorer’s Program, which is a component of the Learning for Life Program through the Boy Scouts of America. The department had been looking for a youth program and it seemed like a good fit.
“We went to the district Boy Scout office in St. Joseph, paid our dues to the district and got started,” said Trenton Firefighter Mike Moore, who serves as an advisor to the post.
The post number, 207, is in memory of Gary Munn, a Trenton city firefighter who died of a heart attack shortly after fighting a fire in 1982.
“He served as an advisor for me when I was in the Future Firefighters of America,” Moore said. “His badge number was 207, so this was a way to honor him.”
There are a few requirements for those who wish to participate in the Explorers. Participants, who do not have to be from Trenton, must be between the ages of 14 and 18, have parental consent, have a 2.0 or higher grade point average and write a 100-word essay outlining why they want to be in the Fire Explorers. Dues are $25 per year and cover liability insurance.
Post #207 meets from approximately 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month during the school year. The program is divided into three levels: basic, advanced and ride-along qualified. The basic level is completed in three phases, with each phase having three modules. The modules focus on basic fire safety and prevention, water supply, hoses and equipment, fire suppression, etc. They also take a CPR class, first aid and learn about principals of leadership. Each module includes a lecture and hands-on component, with a test given the next week.
As the Explorer moves to the advanced level, he or she can earn bar ribbons (similar to merit badges) that are based on worksheets. Local advisors, which also include Firefighters Jeremy Summers and Lt. Eric Lorenz, adapted a curriculum from the national law enforcement explorers and it has become a national model for Fire Explorers. The youth on this level learn more about fire science, building construction, rope rescue, etc., before moving to the ride-along qualified level, where they are actually able to go to a fire, although not take an active part in fighting it.
“On this level, they have a very good working knowledge of fire operations safety – they know a lot more in detail about the equipment and where the tools are. They are considered non-operational at a fire, but they could get tools, change out the air bottles, things like that. They have to have knowledge of our department’s standard operating procedures and be well-versed in communications and dispatching,” Moore said. “They are never put in what we call ‘IDLH’ or ‘Immediate Danger to Life or Health,’ but they can help us. They have to go through a lot of hoops to be able to do the ride-alongs. They are asked to do station duty on the some weekends and after school.”
When an Explorer turns 18, they can apply as a volunteer firefighter with the city or county.
Elections are held to select a captain, who is like the president of the organization. In addition, two lieutenants are named, a fire lieutenant, who serves as secretary, and a second lieutenant, who serves as treasurer. A quartermaster is also elected and is responsible for making sure everyone has uniforms and equipment and that all equipment used during training is accounted for and in its correct place.
Moore said he makes a point of keeping in mind that the Explorers are doing just that – “exploring.”
“We’re not necessarily making firefighters,” he said. “A lot of kids say ‘well, I might want to be a firefighter, but I don’t really know.’ That’s okay. About one-third of Explorers will go on to be a volunteer firefighter.”
Moore also said that just having the opportunity to educate youth about the fire service pays benefits in the future.
“Even if they never become a firefighter, they are a future taxpayer. An educated tax payer who has a better understanding of what the fire service in town can do is better for us. They will have a better appreciation for what the fire service does for their community.”
Moore said the new year will kick off in late September with a “First Nighters” program, with regular meetings to begin on Oct. 5. Moore also said that even if someone is interested in the fire service, but not in the Explorers Program, department members are always happy to schedule a time to talk with them.
For more information on the Fire Explorers or firefighting as a career, contact Moore or any firefighter at 359-5552 or email Moore at [email protected].