GET A HEAD START. The Howlett Hill Volunteer Fire Department invites young men and women who are interested in learning about the fire services field to take part in our Fire Service Exploring Program, a division of Learning for Life and a subsidiary of the Boy Scouts of America.

WHO CAN BECOME AN EXPLORER? Our Fire Service Exploring Program is open to young men and women in middle school and high school, between the ages of 12 and 16.

WHY BECOME AN EXPLORER? The purpose of the program is to give members an opportunity to learn about fire, rescue and emergency services through, guest speakers, projects and hands-on learning activities. Explorers will participate in practical and meaningful hands-on experiences, and develop mentor relationships with fire service personnel while learning and developing new skills.

WHAT DOES AN EXPLORER DO? Explorers learn the basics of firefighting and train along side members of the Howlett Hill Volunteer Fire Department. Although the duties that you can perform at a true emergency are limited by law, many of these duties are allowed in a controlled training environment. Explorers will learn about fire behavior, classification and extinguishment; building construction; personal protective equipment; water supply; appliances and tools; ropes and ladders; forcible entry; search and rescue; ventilation; salvage and overhaul; and fire prevention and education.

WHAT DO I DO IF I AM INTERESTED? If you are interested in joining our Fire Service Exploring Program or would like to find out more, contact Chief Fred Isgar @ 673-1817 or come to our weekly training on Wednesday evenings @ 6:00 at the Howlett Hill Fire Department, 3384 Howlett Hill Rd. Syracuse, N.Y. 13215.