By PATRICK J. CHAMPAGNE
The progression and future of the volunteer fire service and its districts are contingent on such factors as training, education, technology, staffing, and community relations. However, one factor has become more prominent than others in many communities: youth programs, commonly known as Explorer Posts. Generally, these programs consist of youths from 14 to 20 years old and are derived from the Boy Scouts of America. In New York State, youth programs can be established pursuant to General Municipal Law §204-B. I am a strong advocate for this type of program; it provides a great avenue for mentoring today’s youth and also paves the way for a potential career path for those who are interested.
Unfortunately, this program did not exist when I first entered the fire service. However, I have been surrounded by knowledgeable and quality firefighters whereby, as post advisor, I can now share my experience and knowledge with the youths in my own department. With the Explorer Post, I have seen firsthand the end result of how effective and beneficial this type of program can be.
There are many benefits to this program. Independent decision making, responsibility, charisma, leadership, team concept, and community involvement are among the many intangibles that a youth can develop. Overall, the program is constructive to the department, the community, and the individual. It is a great feeling to see someone learn something new by gaining confidence and continuing to build on it; this is the part I enjoy the most.
During my tenure, I have witnessed several post members who, when they first joined, had never been exposed to raising or climbing a ladder, tying knots, swinging an ax, or donning self-contained breathing apparatus. However, with patience and perseverance, these activities have become realities for all members. The key is to encourage the members and make them believe they can do it by first demonstrating the skill to them and then having them perform it at their own pace while you observe. Individual attention is given when necessary, and a collective effort by all post members—who help out tremendously—is performed. Our objective throughout the year is to build on the skills that are taught.
If the choice is between having our youth spend time on the street or at the firehouse, I choose the latter. Despite some negativity and stereotyping of what we hear about some firehouse environments, I would argue that most are positive environments. When creating this type of foundation and environment for our youths, what matter most are department leadership and membership.
In addition to the many intangibles that a youth can obtain in this setting, he is also exposed to the firematic side. Although youths are restricted in performing certain firematic functions until they properly complete a certified Firefighter I program, the program exposes them to these tasks and prepares them to perform many other duties.
Stretching handlines, raising and climbing ground ladders up to 35 feet, hydrant operations, wall breaching, performing SCBA skills in a nonsmoke environment, and using an ax and a halligan bar are hands-on skills that are generally permitted. However, the caveat here is that these tasks should be performed with proper adult supervision in nonhazardous environments with the least risk possible.
As an added bonus, the post has taken several field trips to learn about other fire service areas, which include visits to the Albany (NY) International Airport Fire Department; the Saratoga County (NY) Communications Center; the Museum of Firefighting in Hudson, New York; and the Saratoga County Fair, where the Explorer Post members have assisted at the fire prevention booth.
In my community, youths can also expand on their skills and exposure by attending the New York State Fire Academy in Montour Falls, New York, for Explorer Weekend. During this time, various Explorer Posts from all over the state attend one of the two weekends offered during July and August for hands-on training under the supervision of certified instructors.
These skills also provide a great foundation for and prelude to program youths who choose to take the Firefighter I training. In fact, our department’s success rate in graduating explorers, so to speak, to full firefighter status has been outstanding since the program’s implementation. One Post member who recently completed Firefighter I training stated that the knowledge he gained in the Explorer Post helped him better understand the material than if he had walked in off the street. Stories like this should encourage other departments that want to establish a youth program and increase their membership.
I foresee youth programs continuing to increase throughout the nation and solidifying their place in the fire service. I encourage all departments to consider adopting a youth program; it can only benefit a fire department and the community it serves. It is a way for youths to constructively contribute to a service where they make a difference.
PATRICK J. CHAMPAGNE is a 24-year fire service veteran and a fire suppression captain and Explorer Post advisor in the Jonesville Fire Department in Clifton Park, New York. He has a B.S. in legal studies from Russell Sage College in Albany, New York.
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