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The O’Fallon Fire Department Explorer Program provides the opportunity for young men and women, ages 14 to 21, to become familiar with career opportunities available in the fire service, through classroom instruction, hands-on training, and volunteer work. Explorers are provided a base of knowledge and experience that will benefit them not only in fire service careers, but also in all future endeavors. The program is designed to encourage and promote accountability, safety, communication, teamwork, fitness and develop leadership skills.
The Explorer Program is a subsidiary of the Learning for Life organization. The mission statement for Learning for Life is to enable young people to become responsible individuals by teaching positive character traits, career development, leadership and life skills so they can make moral choices and achieve their full potential.
The O’Fallon Fire Department is committed to providing our Explorers with the most realistic experience possible. The Explorer Program is designed and functions similarly to a Fire Science/Fire Academy. The O’Fallon Fire Department has also teamed with the National Volunteer Fire Counsel for college scholarship opportunities.
Program Objectives:
- Hands-on training and fire ground skills
- Emergency Medical Response skills- First Aid/CPR
- Physical fitness
- Academic Requirements
- Crew Dynamics/Interaction
The goal of the program is to provide Explorers with a basic understanding of the fire service and to prepare them for future professional advancement opportunities as a Volunteer or Career Firefighter, and College Level Fire Science Programs and EMT/Paramedic Programs.
Program Requirements:
- Explorers must be a graduate of 8th grade and between the ages of 14 and 21.
- Explorers must be able to attend weekly drills every Monday evening from 6:30pm to 08:30pm.
- Explorers are required to maintain a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average at school.
- Pass monthly quizzes and complete academic assignments.
- Perform weekly physical fitness and training specific to fire fighting skills.
- Complete assigned duties/responsibilities in a timely manner.
- Adhere to dress and conduct codes provided.
- Willingness to make improvements and show self motivation
- Explorers are required to participate in fundraising activities.
- Explorers will be issued reading material, turnout coat, pants, boots, gloves and helmet and is expected to be returned at the completion of the program.
- There is no cost associated with the Explorer Program.
Further Information & Questions:
For further information or if you have questions, please contact Jason Bruns at JBruns@ofallon.org or Brent Saunders at BSaunders@ofallon.org
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