SUNDERLAND — If firefighters were grown like vegetables, Fire Explorers programs would sell the seeds.
The Sunderland Fire Department has started Explorer Post 35 to spark an interest in young men and women who may want to pursue firefighting. A joint effort between the department and the Boys Scouts of America’s Learning for Life program, the post is open to anyone 14 to 20 years of age, regardless of where they live.
Firefighter Rick Fadus said Explorer Post 35 started as an idea he and McLellan White, a firefighter and EMT, came up with at a monthly meeting of the Sunderland Volunteer Firemen’s Association. An open house was held from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Sunderland Fire Department recently.
“It’s a way for high school students to get involved in the fire service and try to see if this is something they want to do,” Fadus said.
White said he joined the junior firefighter program at the Sunderland Fire Department when he was 15. He said this was difficult to do because he has a shy personality, and he hopes Fire Explorers Post 35 will appeal to interested young people who may be too timid to approach a fire department.
The post’s first meeting is slated for 6 p.m. at the fire department on Tuesday, April 5. Fadus said there will be an hour-long introduction for Fire Explorers and they are welcome to stay for a weekly training drill that begins at 7.
Fadus explained Explorers will be trained in the exterior operations of a fire scene. They will “help with hoses, any sort of activity that helps get the other firefighters moving,” he said.
He added that Explorers will learn everything from firefighting basics to what to do after a fire is extinguished.
Fagus said the program is aimed at helping young people decide if they wish to someday attend the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy or perhaps tailor their college courses around a potential career in fire science.
“It’s a great program,” Fadus said. “I wish there were more opportunities like it and I hope it takes off.”
You can reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 257. On Twitter, follow @DomenicPoli