By Khalida Sarwari
The Santa Clara County Fire Department is inviting local teens to try accomplishing seemingly impossible feats after breakfast at a fire expo on June 6.
If the idea of using the “Jaws of Life,” climbing a 75-foot ladder truck and extending a hose line into a smoke-filled structure is enough to make you forego your regular cup from Starbucks for one morning, this is the event for you.
For most firefighters, of course, this is their routine–and that’s the point. The fire department wants teens to get a taste of what it’s like to be a firefighter, and if they’re interested, to consider joining the Fire Explorer Academy that prepares them for a career in the field. After all, this is how Fire Chief Ken Kehmna got his start.
“Starting my career as a fire explorer, I highly value this program,” said Kehmna. “I encourage students who are interested in a career in the fire service to consider participating.”
The expo is a way for students to get hands-on fire service experience, said Stephanie Stuehler, a spokeswoman for the fire department. After an introduction, students will be split up and whisked off to their stations, each offering a different challenge. One, for example, will be at a training tower filled with smoke. Another station will require students to pick up items while wearing a hazmat suit. The stations will be manned by county fire personnel.
“We wanted to start recruiting and building up our explorer program again,” said Stuehler. “Being an explorer is really the foundation–the start–of where you can go in the fire service.”
County fire serves residents within the communities of Campbell, Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Saratoga and unincorporated areas.
Started in 2012, the explorer program is ongoing and typically held twice a month in Campbell. To apply directly, email explorers@sccsd.org and request an application.
The expo is free and open to high school students ages 14 to 18. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the McCormack Training Center, 485 W. Sunnyoaks Ave., Campbell.
For information on how to register for the expo or how to become a fire explorer, visit the Santa Clara County Fire Department website at sccfd.org or call 408.378.4010.
