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The *Daily Herald* recently published an article about a new Fire Explorer program launched by the Elgin Fire Department, aimed at inspiring young people to pursue careers in firefighting while also increasing diversity within the department.
The program is open to youth aged 14 to 20 and is set to begin in early fall, according to firefighter George Steiner, who led the initiative. The curriculum will closely follow the training provided at the fire academy, but at a more manageable pace. Classes will meet twice a month, allowing participants to gradually build their skills and knowledge.
From the start, Explorers will be taught CPR and First Aid, with additional topics covering fire behavior, vehicle extrication, ladder use, fire hose operations, water dynamics, forcible entry, ventilation, and rescue techniques. The program is expected to cost around $15,000 annually, including equipment like helmets and uniforms. Part of the funding will come from the department’s public education budget, with the remaining portion hoped to be covered by city funds allocated for diversity programs.
Fire Chief John Fahy called the program “long overdue,†noting that previously, local students had to join the South Elgin Fire Explorer program. He emphasized that the new initiative will involve both on- and off-duty firefighters, minimizing overtime costs. Mike Przybylski, another firefighter, added that academic performance is a top priority—students must maintain a grade of C or higher in school.
The program draws inspiration from Elgin’s existing Police Explorer program and the Aurora Fire Explorer program, which has been in place since 2002. Carl DeCarlo, a firefighter and fire science instructor at Elgin Community College, played a key role in developing the new program. In the future, participants may even have the opportunity to earn an EMT-Basic certification through the college upon completing the program.
The first class will include 20 students. Prospective candidates must pass a basic physical test and go through an interview process. An open house and orientation event will take place on Saturday, July 12, from 9 a.m. to noon at Fire Station No. 2, located at 650 Big Timber Drive. For more information, interested individuals can call (847) 931-6181 or (847) 931-6177, or email the department directly.
Thanks, Dan.