OXNARD : Fire Explorer Post to Educate Youths

The Oxnard Fire Department is sponsoring Ventura County’s first fire explorer post to educate youths about a career in firefighting.

The post, which is being set up under the auspices of the Boy Scouts of America, will train youths in all areas of fire service. Fire officials hope that the program will teach youths teamwork and perseverance in addition to firefighting skills.

“Being a firefighter is more than just going out on rescues,” said Kevin Schroepfer, the explorer post adviser. “You have to learn to get along with other crew members. We can set an example for them to get along with other people in society.”

The program will provide youths with an introduction to a career in firefighting. “If they decide it is a career that they want to pursue this will give them a good head start,” Schroepfer said.

The Fire Department hopes to attract 15 or more youths for the program. The explorers will meet twice a month for four hours on a Saturday and once on a weeknight.

“They will be participating in drills, certainly not at the same intensity of the Fire Department,” Schroepfer said. “The ultimate goal is to have these kids ride along with the engine companies and see what they do. They are not going to be placed in any hazardous situations.”

The Fire Department will hold an open house at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 24 for young people ages 15 to 19 who are interested in the program. The meeting will be held at fire station No. 1, 491 S. K St., Oxnard.