Explorer Training Night

Thursday night, members of Explorer Post 2089 orchestrated a training exercise on rope and knot-tying skills. Captain Richard Leach went over different methods of hoisting equipment up a structure, and Lieutenant Tommy Kaplan taught the post basic firefighting knots; the figure eight knot, the double figure eight knot and both open and closed application clove-hitches. The Croton Junior Fire Department holds training nights 1-2 times a month, where the senior members teach the up and coming explorers different skills pertaining to fire ground operations. The explorers are able to respond to incidents with limited participation, and are a valued asset of the department. When members reach their 16th birthday, they are eligible to take New York State firefighter courses, and the training the guys and girls receive at this level will better prepare them for state classes. Lieutenant Kaplan stated, "When I took Firefighter One, I was very nervous that my classmates would be far more advanced than I was. That was until we got out onto the training field, and I remembered learning most of the skills when I was an explorer." Captain Leach said "Its great to be able to give back, and teach the younger kids what I have learned in this great program."

Explorer Post 2089 will continue to hold training nights throughout the year, always looking to expand their knowledge of firefighting. If you are someone, or know someone between the ages of 14 and 17 that is interested in joining this group of boys and girls, email memberinfo@crotonfd.org, or call (914) 271-2693.