The Daily Herald recently featured an article on a new Explorer program launched by the Elgin Fire Department. This initiative aims to inspire young people to consider firefighting as a career while enhancing the department's diversity. Spearheaded by Elgin firefighter George Steiner, the program is designed for youths aged 14 to 20 and is anticipated to begin in early fall. According to Steiner, the curriculum will closely resemble the training provided at a fire academy but will proceed at a more gradual pace. Meetings will take place twice monthly. Participants will start by learning CPR and First Aid, followed by modules on fire behavior, vehicle extrication, ladder usage, handling fire hoses, water dynamics, forcible entry techniques, ventilation strategies, and rescue operations. The estimated annual cost for the program stands at around $15,000, covering essential materials, helmets, and uniforms. Elgin Fire Chief John Fahy mentioned that the financial burden will be shared between the department’s public education funds and potential city allocations aimed at promoting diversity initiatives. He remarked, “This program was likely overdue. Previously, Elgin students interested in the fire service had to join the South Elgin Fire Explorer program. Our new initiative will leverage both on-duty and off-duty personnel, minimizing overtime costs.†Elgin firefighter Mike Przybylski emphasized that education remains a top priority. Participants will need to maintain a minimum C grade average in their studies. Much of this program draws inspiration from Elgin’s existing Police Explorer program and the Aurora Fire Explorer program established in 2002. Firefighter Carl DeCarlo, who also serves as the fire science instructional coordinator at Elgin Community College, played a crucial role in developing this new program. Future participants may qualify for an EMT-Basic certification through ECC after completing the course. The inaugural cohort will comprise 20 Explorers. Applicants must pass a basic fitness test and undergo an interview process. An open house and orientation event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 12, at Fire Station No. 2, located at 650 Big Timber Drive in Elgin. For further information, interested individuals can call (847) 931-6181 or (847) 931-6177, or send an email. Thanks, Dan! Screw Barrel For WPC Profile,Alloy Structural Steel Conical Twin Screw Barrel,Steel Conical Twin Screw And Barrel ZHEJIANG BOHAI MACHINERY CO., LTD , https://www.bohai-screw.com
Elgin starts Explorer program