Calling All 14-20 year Olds Interested In Fire Service Careers! The Pasadena Fire Dept. is Recruiting Explorers on Saturday

The Pasadena Fire Department is inviting all interested 14-20 years olds who want to learn about careers in the fire service to their Explorer program this Saturday, Jan. 7.

In the Explorer recruitment program, interested teens can ask questions and see first hand all the opportunities that are available. 

“Recruitment is all about getting young adults that are interested in the fire service to sign up and be part of the Pasadena Fire Department Explorer program,” Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin said. 

“Recruitment is done annually. It is an opportunity for Pasadena Fire to introduce what the fire department is about to young adults.”

This Saturday’s event is mostly educational and walk-ins are welcome.

On Jan. 7, Chief Augustin and Fire Department staff will meet the interested kids and their parents, and discuss what the Explorer program is about.

“They will have the opportunity to talk to current and past explorers that are now members of the Pasadena Fire Department,” Augustin continued. 

“Once enrolled in the program they will learn about station life, emergency medical services, physical fitness, the use of ladders and hose during simulated emergency exercises.”

Augustin said the Explorer program is intended to encourage young men and women to plan about pursuing a career in the fire service or medical field. For those who are beyond age 20, the Pasadena Fire Department offers the Emergency Medical Services Reserve (EMSR) program. 

The Fire Department is embarking on this effort to sign up qualified teens for the Explorer Program, which typically involves a period of training conducted on weekends. 

In the training program, teens are oriented on the various skill sets required to become firefighters and the equipment that actual firefighters use in their work.

Typically, in Los Angeles County, teens who register for the program are screened and further qualified through a standard selection process. Once selected, they will undergo a two-day Explorer Program Orientation, and then are assigned to an Explorer Post with other selected Explorers.

“After signing up, the Explorers meet twice a month for four hours (every other Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 noon),” Augustin said. “During the meetings, the explorers get to participate in a non-hazardous activity that familiarizes participants with the nature and the demands of the fire service. They will have the opportunity to be around firefighters and be trained by Pasadena Fire Department’s finest.”

During these twice a month meetings, Explorers obtain hands-on training from veteran firefighters and life-saving instructors. Explorers are typically required to fulfill a monthly ride-along quota of hours when they accompany fire crews during actual fire response, and from a safe distance observe how they work.

“The program provides young adults with a sense of responsibility,” Chief Augustin said. “It helps them build character and personal growth. Also, it builds the future of the fire service within our local community. It’s an amazing program that allows Pasadena Fire to further give back and connect to the local community.”

Saturday’s recruitment drive is open to walk-ins from 7:30 a.m. to 12 noon, at Fire Station 33, located at 515 North Lake Ave.

The Explorer program is one of several public education programs that the Fire Department conducts in order to increase safety consciousness among the community. For questions about any of these programs, call (626) 744-4655 or visit www.cityofpasadena.net/fire/safety-and-educational-programs.