About the Explorers

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 Number 99 attend the annual "Explorer Fire School" held at the Illinois Fire Service Institute (State Fire Academy) in Champaign, Illinois.

The program is open to young men and women between 15 and 20 years of age. There are currently 8 department members who volunteer their time to the program, including Lieutenant Jim Rhodes, Jeff Kerley and Matt Acuff. 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:
75 N Broadway
Aurora, IL 60505

Extra-Curricular Activities

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.

History

Aurora Fire Department Explorer Post Number 99 was established in March 2002 with 8 initial members. Through the years, at times the post has reached its capacity of 35 members.

As of 2010, 9 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 Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Paramedic licenses in their effort to further their knowledge in the fire service.

For more information visit the explorer website.