Fire Department Explorers Program to Launch In February

COON RAPIDS, Minn. -- The Coon Rapids Fire Department is giving young adults an opportunity to learn about a career in the fire service through hands-on training and education.

The program is the first of its kind in Coon Rapids.

"This is just another way we can be more involved in the community at another level," says Jeremie Bresnahan, Coon Rapids firefighter and Explorers Program Director.

The Explorers Program is designed to work with the youth of Coon Rapids and neighboring cities to expose them to emergency services and training year-round.

"We're going to be training every month during the school year. We'll be training twice a month and in the spring and summer when school is out we'll be training once a month," says Bresnahan.

Explorers train with firefighters to learn about various scenarios including fire suppression, emergency medical services and rescue operations.

"Everything will be based under the firefighter curriculum Firefighter One, so that will be the foundation of our training," says Bresnahan.

Eligible explorers are 14-20 years old, with 14 year olds having completed 8th grade. Every explorer must an average grade of a C or better. Initial enrollment is planned for 5 explorers with potential to add more as the program grows.

The projected start to establish the post in the first of February. With the program already generating a lot of interest, the firefighter advisors are looking forward to learning right along with the explorers.

"I think as a department we're going to really benefit. We get to now know that other side of our community, the youth. I think it will then help us define or make sure we're doing a good service for our community," says Bresnahan.

For more information on the Fire Department Explorers Program including an application, click here.

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