Home || Fire Department || Community || Explorer

Explorer Post #99

Aurora Fire Department Explorer Post #99 was established in March 2002 with 8 initial members. Through the years, at times the post has reached its capacity of 35 members. The Explorers are taught all aspects of the fire service. Every year the curriculum reinforces the training of the previous year as well as including any new or updated information as the fire service changes and evolves. Every year members of Explorer Post #99 attend the annual “Explorer Fire School” held at the Illinois Fire Service Institute (State Fire Academy) in Champaign, Illinois.

The Aurora Explorers not only learn about firefighting, but also help with numerous activities in the community, including: The annual 4th of July parade, work at the Aurora Regional Fire Museum, community clean-up programs, and the annual Boy Scouts Haunted Hike in October.

As of 2010, seven former Explorers have been hired by the Aurora Fire Department. Countless others have been hired by departments throughout the area. Numerous Explorers have attained the CPR, EMT and Paramedic licenses in their effort to further their knowledge in the fire service.

The program is open to young men and women between 15 and 20 years of age. There is no residency requirement, but all members are required to attend training nights held every Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. at the Aurora Central Fire Station. There are currently 8 department members who volunteer their time to the program, including: Lt. Jim Rhodes, Jeff Kerley and Matt Acuff.