The Daily Herald recently featured an article about a brand-new Explorer program launched by the Elgin Fire Department. This initiative aims to motivate young individuals to consider a career in firefighting while fostering greater diversity within their team. Spearheaded by Elgin firefighter George Steiner, the program is designed specifically for youths aged 14 to 20 and is anticipated to commence in early autumn.
Steiner mentioned that the curriculum will closely resemble the fire academy training necessary for new firefighters but will proceed at a more relaxed pace. Participants can expect to gather twice monthly. From day one, Explorers will be trained in CPR and First Aid, with additional lessons covering fire behavior, extrication techniques, ladder usage, handling fire hoses, understanding water dynamics, forcible entry, ventilation strategies, and rescue operations.
Estimated to cost around $15,000 annually, this program will cover expenses such as materials, helmets, and uniforms. Elgin Fire Chief John Fahy noted that part of these funds will be drawn from the department’s public education budget, with any remaining balance potentially supported by city allocations earmarked for diversity efforts. “This program has likely been needed for quite some time,†Fahy remarked. He further explained that previously, Elgin students interested in learning about firefighting would have had to join the South Elgin Fire Explorer program instead. This new venture will leverage both on-duty and off-duty personnel, minimizing overtime requirements.
Elgin firefighter Mike Przybylski emphasized that education remains a top priority, requiring participants to maintain at least a C average academically. Much of this program draws inspiration from Elgin’s established Police Explorer program and Aurora Fire Explorer program, which began in 2002. Firefighter Carl DeCarlo, also serving as the fire science instructional coordinator at Elgin Community College, played a crucial role in developing this new initiative. In the future, Explorers may qualify for an EMT-Basic certification through ECC after finishing the course.
The inaugural session will accommodate up to 20 Explorers. Prospective members must pass a fundamental physical assessment and participate in interviews. An open house and orientation event is scheduled for Saturday, July 12, from 9 a.m. to noon at Fire Station No. 2, located at 650 Big Timber Drive, Elgin. For more information, interested parties can call (847) 931-6181 or (847) 931-6177, or send an email.
Thanks, Dan!
Roller Covered Ceramic Rubber Sheet
ceramic rubber plate,belt conveyor roller covering ceramic rubber sheet,Roller covered ceramic rubber sheet,Wear resistant ceramic rubber sheet,ceramic rubber lagging
Hebi Shuanglian Trading Co., Ltd. , https://www.slwearrubber.com