Ages 14–21 — Rush, NY · Post #634 Est. 1975
The NextGeneration
Explorers Post
Before you're old enough to run into a fire, you can learn everything you need to know. The Rush FD Explorers Post is where the next generation of firefighters and EMTs starts.
Mentored by experienced members — parent permission required
14–21
Age range
Post #634, est. 1975
Mon
Meeting nights
Mondays, 6:30 PM
$0
Cost to join
Equipment and training provided
18
Full member at
Direct pathway to membership
What Explorers do
Real skills.
Real drills.
The Explorers program isn't a tour of the station. It's supervised hands-on training in the actual tasks of the fire and EMS service — first aid, CPR, AED use, fireground skills, and rescue tools including the jaws of life. Explorers train alongside experienced members who serve as mentors. The one thing an Explorer cannot do is enter a burning building — that waits until full membership.
The program is structured around real department training. Explorers attend weekly training nights and are welcome at the department's normal Monday-night drills — observing and taking part in hands-on work to the extent appropriate for their age and training level. They also participate in community events and the department's annual Carnival. Members can attend county fire-training facilities once they turn 18. When they join as full members, they already have years of training, relationships with the membership, and the institutional knowledge it normally takes years to accumulate.
Hose & Nozzle
Advancing lines, nozzle selection and operation, basic fire attack
Ground Ladders
Raising, climbing, and placing ground ladders safely
Tools & Equipment
Hand tools, power tools, forcible entry basics, ventilation
Basic EMS
First aid, CPR/AED, scene safety, patient assessment intro
SCBA & PPE
Donning protective gear, breathing apparatus familiarization
Community Service
Carnival, open house, public education, and department events
Career pathway
From Explorer to Firefighter
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14
Join the Post
Apply at 14 with parent or guardian consent. Start training nights immediately.
-
→
Train & Serve
Weekly training nights, department drills, community events, and the carnival. Build skills and relationships over years.
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18
County Training Opens Up
At 18, Explorers can begin attending the Monroe County Public Safety Training Facility and the Livingston County Emergency Operations and Training facility — and apply for full membership in the department.
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Run Calls
Former Explorers who join as full members are already better prepared than rookies who start cold — years of training, gear familiarity, and relationships with the crew already in place.
Safety & Supervision
The Explorers program is conducted under the direct supervision of experienced department members who serve as mentors, with Post advisors trained through the BSA local council. All training activities are age-appropriate — Explorers do not enter active fire scenes or respond to live incidents. Activities are matched to each Explorer's age, development, and training level. The program follows BSA Explorer post guidelines and New York State rules for junior fire service members.
Parent or guardian consent is required for all members under 18. Parents are welcome — and encouraged — to observe training nights. Questions about safety, supervision ratios, or specific activities should be directed to the Post advisor before enrollment.
How to join
Join the
Explorer Post
If you're between 14 and 21 and you want to learn what this job actually looks like — not from a textbook, but in the station, with the gear in your hands — come to a training night or email the Post advisor. No prior experience needed. No commitment required for your first visit.
Requirements
Age 14 to 21 at time of application
Parent or guardian signature on enrollment form
Resident of the Town of Rush or nearby communities — contact us if you're outside our area
Commitment to attend training nights regularly
No prior experience required — we start from the beginning
Training Nights
Mondays, 6:30 PM — Rush Fire Station, 1971 Rush Mendon Rd, Rush, NY 14543. Come to any Monday night to observe before committing. Parents welcome.
For Parents & Guardians
For families
We understand that handing your teenager over to a fire station requires trust. The Explorers program is designed with that in mind. Activities are structured, supervised, and age-appropriate. No Explorer participates in anything they are not physically and emotionally prepared for.
- Mentored by experienced department members at all training sessions
- No live incident response — Explorers do not enter burning buildings
- All protective equipment provided — no cost to families
- Parents welcome to observe any training night
Get in touch
Contact the Post Advisor
Visit the station at 1971 Rush Mendon Rd, Rush, NY 14543. Bring a parent on your first visit so they can meet the Post advisor too.
Start learning now.
Ages 14–21. Free to join.
Mondays at 6:30 PM — 1971 Rush Mendon Rd, Rush, NY 14543