The Explorers is a great way for young people to get
an idea of how the Fire service works. I started when I was 17 years
old and was an active member for 3 years. During that time I had
a chance to learn in great detail how a fire department runs and
all the workings that go along with it. You really get a feel for
what goes on during emergency calls and the things that go on at
the stations while you are waiting for the Big One to come in.
Doing ride alongs with the professional crews was also fun. I enjoyed
getting to know all the members of the department and meeting new
interesting people. Monday nights we met for drills and the advisers
really put together good drills and classes to test the skills that
you were taught.
The Explorers gives you a great foundation to build on for when
you go to school or on to a career in the Fire Service. I believe
that the Explorers is a great way to get your foot in the door and
see what the Fire Service is all about.
Reggy Becker
Firefighter / Paramedic
Gresham Fire and Emergency Services
GFES Explorer 1995-1998
Josh Butler
Firefighter/Paramedic
For me the Explorer Post was a gateway to the future,
without it I doubt I would be here writing about the Post today.
As an Explorer I gained first hand knowledge about what it takes
to become a firefighter. Not in the traditional sense of training
and perfecting skills, but real world in-station life. While people
join in part to learn if they would be interested in a fire service
career, I joined to find out what you need to do to get hired for
the job once you meet the qualifications.
To give a brief example; An individual could go to
college and follow the path to obtain the formal qualifications
to apply for a job, but it's what is learned in the station house
that will give you the edge. It's in the way you act and conduct
yourself in and around other Firefighters. The ability to know and
do what's expected without being told. There are several examples
to be listed but it's stuff like this that an individual can only
learn if they become involved, and the best way to get involved
is the explorer program. I know it helped me and a lot of fellow
Firefighters as well. You'll never understand unless you see first
hand so pay attention, work hard, and listen.
Josh Butler
