Hughsonville fire department revitalizes Explorer program

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Hughsonville firefighters recently held an open house for their Explorer program.

TOWN OF WAPPINGER – The Hughsonville Fire Department has relaunched its successful Fire Explorer program, according to Fire Chief Justin Jerrick.  The program had been affected by the pandemic and the members of the department are working to revitalize it.

Hughsonville’s Fire Explorer Post 3045, according to Chief Jerrick “provides a unique opportunity for youths to interact and learn in a safe environment through classroom and hands-on training.”

The program is through the Boy Scouts of America and is run by members of the Hughsonville Fire Department who volunteer their time to provide the opportunity for the youth, in an effort to encourage them to volunteer with their department when they meet the age requirement.

The program provides education on the basic fire and emergency services techniques such as CPR, first aid, search and rescue, hose line advancement, and forcible entry.

It will also give the youths the opportunity to learn the importance of leadership and the chain of command in the fire and emergency services.

The Explorer Post is being led by Advisor Daniel Mochon, according to the chief. Dan started out with the Hughsonville Fire Department as the lead post advisor of the department’s Boy Scout Troop 145 when it was charted in 2018.

Hughsonville’s Explorer Post was created in the early 2000s and has had three previous fire explorers reach the rank of chief officer including current Chief of Department Justin Jerrick and current 1st Assistant Chief Paul Rogers Jr.

There are no residency requirements for participants.  Each applicant must be between the ages of 14 and 20, and have successfully completed the 8th grade.

The program meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Special events including field trips and community events are occasionally scheduled during the session.




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