What Are Explorers?

Seminole County Fire Department believes in helping youth gain an understanding of the Fire Service and the jobs that firefighters and paramedics do around the community. In 2002, the fire department began the fire-based explorer post for Seminole County.

The Explorers is an organization whose goal is to familiarize teenage boys and girls with the Emergency Medical and Fire Services. The youth organization is a stepping stone for those who wish to become an Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics, Fire Inspectors, or Firefighters.

They have a wide variety of training and programs that will prepare them for this type of public service. Regardless of the explorer’s career choice, the experience gained will better prepare them for the future. The program will teach leadership skills, teamwork, and good civic values. In addition, the post will create new friendships in a very diverse field.

How Do I Join?

If you interested in having fun while learning about emergency services, then you have the basic qualifications for applying to the Fire Department Explorer Post. Explorers include youth age 14, in 9th grade, or 15 to 21 years old. Once an Explorer turns 18, they are encouraged to attend Minimum Standards Firefighting Class or an Emergency Medical Technician Course at the local community college.

The Seminole County Fire Explorer Post meets every Monday night at 6:00pm. Location for the meetings are normally at Seminole County Emergency Operations Center, at 150 Bush Boulevard, directly across from the Seminole County Flea World on Highway 17-92.

Fire/Rescue Explorer Programs are sanctioned by the Boy Scouts of America.


Commonly Asked Questions

1) Do the youth actually fight fire? The fire Explorer post will train youth in fire suppression but at no time will they enter any hostile or potentially dangerous environment. Supervised explorers can assist firefighters outside fires and other incidents with critical tasks.

2) How do explorers get trained? Seminole County Fire Department has professionals in all aspects of fire suppression, medical services, and emergency management. Each Explorer will get the opportunity to learn from these valuable resources.

3) How often do they meet? Fire Explorer posts meet once a week for approximately an hour and a half. Special training will be offered at various other times.

4) Do explorers get to ride Fire Engines or Ambulances? Eligible (of age) explorers are scheduled ride-times on both Fire and EMS vehicles. Release of liability forms and special immunization is required.

Explorer Ride Along Form [PDF]

Explorer Application [PDF]