“It's really fun to watch them on the first day,” said Laura Garritsen, 11th CES Fire Department inspector. Cruz Coronado applies to attend an exclusive school for explorers, the Explorer Academy, where his mother worked before dying in a mysterious lab accident. “It's so inspiring how in just a few days these lessons mold the cadets’ lives,” said Laura. Becoming a Firefighter.

Tristan Jolley, Fire Explorer Academy cadet, opens a fire truck door during an exercise on Joint Base Andrews, Md., July 27, 2019.
11th Wing Public Affairs. Explorer posts and clubs typically meet on a bi-monthly basis during the school year with the specifics being determined by the local adult advisors. Corey Garritsen, 11th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department inspector, reaches a hand out to invite others to watch the cadets navigate a smoke filled room on Joint Base Andrews, Md., July 27, 2019. Cadets crawl along the sides of the smoke filled building in search of a hidden body as they were taught during the 6-day Fire Explorer Program on Joint Base Andrews Md.,July 27, 2019. The Fire Explorer and Fire Cadet Programs consists of academic and physical training conducted by the Fire Department along with community partners. Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center. But it might be difficult—especially when you don’t know who you can trust. By Senior Airman Jalene A. Brooks Instructors watched as 12 unenthusiastic students facing a Power Point presentation about medical emergency response procedures slowly became more interested as the day progressed. Family and friends of the cadets were invited to watch as the cadets demonstrated the skills they learned during the program. Plunged into a world of critical missions and code breaking, the 12-year-old embarks on a global hunt for a secret formula that could reveal his hidden past. “I keep up with some of our cadets from past years and they have moved on to be in the Air Force, work in medicine and one [former cadet] is even at a local fire department.”. Following the challenge, cadets received a certificate of completion for the course and were considered CPR/AED certified by the American Red Cross Foundation. Cameron Ordonez, Fire Explorer Academy cadet, emerges from a smoke-filled room after completing the search and rescue challenge on Joint Base Andrews, Md., July 27, 2019. Cadets learned team building skills during exercise such as this on as well as when perfuming human carrying maneuvers and when offering medical assistance.

An 11th Civil Engineer Squadron fire safety helmet is left on the ground while 11th CES firefighters assist cadets during the Fire Explorer Program on Joint Base Andrews, Md., July 27, 2019. The Fire & EMS Career Exploring program is delivered through local participating agencies such as the city fire departments & government agencies. Their instructor’s goals are to help young adults make informed decisions about pursuing careers in fire prevention, medicine or a related emergency response field.

Following the challenge, cadets received a certificate of completion for the course and were considered CPR/AED certified by the American Red Cross Foundation. By the end of the first session of the day, cadets learned how to properly perform medical emergency response techniques such as dragging or lifting an injured body as a team. For the last three years, Laura and Corey Garritsen, 11th CES Fire Department inspectors, have orchestrated this program, teaching 10 to 16 students each summer. The Fire Explorer program gives youth (ages 14-20) a first hand experience in what it mentally and physically takes to be a professional firefighter. “I really enjoyed the Fire Explorer Program because it challenged me to learn real ways to save a life and made me feel like a hero,” said 17-year-old Kran McElvaine. dm_10a3803db49537404b516faf1baa3d3e Tristen Jolley, Fire Explorer Program cadet, poses for a photo on Joint Base Andrews Md., July 27, 2019. The cost of the Academy Remains at $300 for Explorers/Cadets and $100 for Advisors. On the first day of the program, cadets marched into a classroom for their first lesson. Each cadet was challenged to perform search and rescue procedures, CPR, operate a fire hose, and put out a controlled fire in a timely manner. Instructors hope students leave the program with a number of everyday life skills and the confidence to respond when faced with an emergency. Programs are flexible enough to fit in with other activities during the year to meet the needs … Supporting documentation and payment must be submitted to be accepted into the Academy. Cadets were challenged to don fire gear, operate a fire hose, search and rescue a manikin from a smoke-filled building, conduct CPR on the manikin, and put out a controlled fire. Participants will receive fire service training under supervision of trained firefighters. “They don’t know what to expect, then you get to watch them get the hang of it.”. This insight will allow the individual to decide whether or not he or she desires to pursue a greater role in the fire service. Submission of an online application does not guarantee acceptance. JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. CFEA only accepts applications on-line. Cameron Ordonez, Fire Explorer Academy cadet, poses for a photo after completing his training at the Fire Explorer program on Joint Base Andrews, Md., July 27, 2019. 7 of 9 Smoke machines filled the rooms making it hard to see without proper gear. -- The 11th Civil Engineer Squadron’s firefighter unit orchestrated a 6-day course to teach cadets, ages 14-18, the basics of fire safety, search and rescue, CPR, and other emergency response techniques here, July 22 – 27, 2019. Members of the JBA fire department have been orchestrating the FEP for over three years. Explorer application.

During this challenge, cadets were expected to navigate a smoke-filled building to find a hidden manikin and return it to safety. Cameron Ordonez, Fire Explorer Academy cadet, emerges from a smoke-filled room after completing the search and rescue challenge on Joint Base Andrews, Md., July 27, 2019.

By participating in the Fire Exploring Program, the individual will gain personal confidence, learn to use various tools, develop mechanical skills and aptitude, and gain a greater awareness of personal and fire …
Cadets learned life-saving skills meant to empower them to confidently respond to emergency situations. When do Explorers meet?