On a snowy December evening, while some of their friends might have been complaining about a lack of things to do in Jefferson, a group of teenagers were gathered at the Jefferson Fire Station conducting an inventory of gloves, helmets and other protective gear that they will wear while helping firefighters.
The Jefferson Fire and Rescue Explorers Post No. 343 joins a scouting tradition that includes Sea Scouts and Adventurers.
The co-educational group of 14- to 18-year-old Jefferson residents “… is like a mini fire department,” Jefferson Fire Chief Wally Morris said before the group’s Dec. 17 meeting.
“They have their own elected officers. The program’s not designed to replace firefighters. It’s just to provide aid and support,” Morris said.
At the meeting, Post 343 President Casandra Stone asked members to fill out forms to order identification labels they will wear on the protective clothing they will receive from the fire department.
Morris said the gear is slightly worn out or otherwise unsuitable to be used inside a burning building, but will protect those who carry supplies and otherwise assist on the periphery of a scene.
No one younger than age 18 is allowed to enter a burning building, direct traffic or operate power tools.
Stone said some of the Explorers have already been to fires.
“We weren’t allowed to do much because the program had just been set up,” Stone said. “There are very fine lines between what we can do and what we can’t do.”
Stone’s grandfather, uncle and father have all been firefighters. She said she hoped to join the Jefferson Fire Dept. when she is old enough.
Morris said he first learned about Fire and Rescue Explorers at the Fire Academy in the Rockland County Fire Training Center, just outside New York City.
“There’s not a lot for young people to do in a small town like Jefferson,” Morris said. “In January, we’ll begin a year-long structured training program.” He said the basic fire school program has been developed by the Maine Fire Service Institute, the statewide agency for training firefighters.
“That will give them the knowledge and skills, everything they need to be firefighters once they become 18,” he said.
Of the nine Explorers at the Dec. 18 meeting, all but one have an adult family member who has served or is serving as a firefighter. Five said they would consider serving once they are of age.
The Jefferson Fire and Rescue Explorers Post No. 343 meets on the first and third Monday of each month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more information call Fire Chief Wally Morris at 549-5394.
