The Oceanport Fire Explorers

The Oceanport Fire Explorers are a group of youths aged 14 to 21 who are developing the skills necessary to become firefighters. They are sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America and train and drill along side Oceanport’s Firefighters in order to acquire the skills they will one day need.  They work hard and listen to the experienced veteran firefighters who carefully coordinate drills and training for the explorers. Drills may include climbing ladders, controlling a fire hose, learning CPR or running a rescue scenario in which the young explorers must find “victims” and extricate them from a hazard. They also do work that promotes teamwork and demonstrate their pride for the Firehouse. This work might include cleaning Oceanport’s Fire Trucks, and the Fire House. The Fire Explorers take pride in serving their town just as all Firefighters of Oceanport do. The Oceanport Fire Explorers program was established so that the youth of Oceanport can see what firefighting is all about. It shows them how Firefighters work as a team, and promote good morals and citizenship.

            The Oceanport Fire Explorers program was established December 11, 2003. At that meeting their bylaws were introduced and the first officers were elected into office. Since then the explorers have had three post presidents and four captains. Today the executive board is ran by Mark Patterson (President). Mark’s duties are to oversee and coordinate fundraisers and conduct the monthly meeting. Smaller duties of the President are appointing committees and finalizing approval for membership. The post cabinet of executive officers include; Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. The post also has a cabinet of line officers. The controller of this cabinet is the Captain. The 2007 Oceanport Fire Explorer Captain is Tanner Shea. Tanner’s responsibilities for the 2007 year are to run the drills that the post has, and lead the Explorers in training related matters.  The post cabinet of line officers include; 1st Lt, 2nd Lt, and Sergeant at arms. The Primary Advisor to the Oceanport Fire Explorers is Firefighter 1st Lt. Joe Wolf. He has advised and offered his assistance since the start of the program.

            The Oceanport Fire Explorers meet regularly two times a month at the Oceanport Hook & Ladder Fire Company, 21 Main St. On the second Tuesday of every month they have formal meetings. This is where they discuss their financial status, new membership, upcoming fundraisers, and any other special needs or requirements of the post. On the fourth Tuesday of every month drills and training are carried out. This is where the explorers get the customized training that they will need when they become firefighters. The money needed to run and fund the Fire Explorer program is provided through donations and fundraisers.

            The Oceanport Fire Explorers run at least two car washes a year, and plan to host four breakfasts this year (2007). All proceeds will benefit the Explorer program, and help them to acquire better training, apparel, radios/pagers, and other necessities.

Submitted By,

                Mark Patterson

                Oceanport Fire Explorer President