Rowlett Fire Explorer Post One named Junior Firefighter Program of the Year

ROWLETT, TX (March 3, 2022) Rowlett Fire Explorer Post One has been recognized as the Junior Firefighter Program of the Year by the National Volunteer Fire Council. Explorer Post One is chartered by the Rowlett Citizen Corps Council and sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America’s (BSA) Learning for Life Exploring Program, encouraging career education for young men and women between the ages of 14 and 20. The post works closely with the Rowlett Fire Department to integrate training and opportunities for learning.

The program develops in its members a culture of leadership, service to others, and a commitment to community involvement. The Explorers participate in or host many events including preparedness education, fire extinguisher training, smoke alarm blitzes, recycling drives, merit badge seminars, and first aid trainings. Each year the Explorers donate thousands of hours in volunteer service.

Activities the post engaged in during 2021 include:

• In February, the Explorers joined Rowlett Community Emergency Response, Team (CERT) members to train with Rowlett Fire Department’s Swiftwater Rescue Team. They learned about basic inflatable rescue boat operations, how to swim and protect yourself in moving water, and how to work as a team to rescue victims trapped by water.

• The post participated in the BSA Circle Ten Council’s Venturing Rendezvous event in March, providing a fire engine and bunker gear for the event. Venturers and Scouts were able to explore the fire engine, try on the gear, and put out a live fire using a charged fire hose.

• Three Explorers and four advisors traveled to the Sid Richardson Scout Ranch in April, where they learned how to climb, rappel, and run climbing programs for BSA youth. All seven attendees completed their instructor training and became certified BSA climbing instructors.