MUSCATINE, Iowa – A new Fire/EMS Explorer Post has been formed in Muscatine sponsored by the Muscatine Fire Department, providing a hands-on program for boys and girls 15- to 20-years-old to learn about careers in Fire and EMS.
“There was an explorer post a couple of years ago and we are bringing it back,” Roy Patterson, Muscatine firefighter, said.
The post meets at 7 p.m. at the Public Safety Building on the first and third Thursday of each month with the first meeting focusing on firefighting activities and the second meeting focused on EMS and special rescue training.
“This is a great opportunity to learn about careers in Fire and EMS,” Patterson said. “Explorers get hands-on experience in a variety of career opportunities. They will also have the opportunity to earn certifications in areas like CPR.”
Fire & EMS careers include fire fighter, emergency medical technician (EMT), paramedic, emergency services coordinator, shelter manager, lifeguard, ski patrol, search and rescue, and fire inspector/investigator.
The program emphasizes five areas including career opportunities with hands-on, interactive experiences and learning how to develop potential contacts that may broaden employment options. Developing life skills is an emphasis to facilitate positive social interactions, citizenship encourages the desire to help others while respecting the basic rights of others. The Explorer program also emphasizes character development which will help members make ethical choices while facilitating service learning opportunities.
The program also helps with a leadership experience, giving youth leaders the opportunity to coordinate program activities while learning leadership skills through the Explorer’s training material.
Do you want to get your hands dirty? Do you want to make a positive impact on the lives of members in your community? If so, then this is the program for you. All youth 15- to 20-years-old are welcome to come explore, learn, and join in the fun whether they live in Muscatine or outside the city limits.
For more information and to find out how you can join today, contact Assistant Fire Chief Michael Hartman (mhartman@muscatineiowa.gov) or Firefighter Roy Patterson (rpatterson@muscatineiowa.gov). You can also call the Public Safety Building at (563) 263-9233 and ask for either one.
You can also visit the Exploring website at www.exploring.org