Margate - Fire Explorers

Responsibility. Respect. Leadership. These are just a few things that the young men and women of the Margate

Fire Explorers learn through training in the ways of the fire rescue service. They learn to be a force for good in the community, prepare themselves for careers, build character, and tackle life's challenges. Explorers are taught how to stay safe and calm during emer- gency situations and aid victims until trained professionals arrive. They are also trained in CPR and AED and have the opportunity to be trained as First Responders and certified Red Cross Lifeguards. "It's a great program," said Nancy Moser, Associate Advisor for the Margate Fire Explorers, "In the 20 years that I have been a volunteer with the Margate Explorers, I have met and trained hundreds of fantastic kids. They joined with little experience but left with knowledge, confidence, and pride." Because many of the explorers who join are interested in becoming firefighters, they get hands on experience by helping the professional firefighters. They go on ‘ride alongs', allowing them to witness situations first hand. They have even assisted in CPR with live patients, depending on their experience level.

Explorers also concentrate on community service projects, such as raising money for charities (American Cancer Society and Muscular Dystrophy), adopting a family during Christmas, assisting at the annual 4K charity marathons on Ft. Lauderdale beach, manning the first aid booth at Relay for Life, and assisting in the cities Fourth of July parade activities. In addition, the explorers compete twice a year in county competitions involving fire and medical events.

This year, the Margate Fire Explorers won fourth overall in the 11th annual Fire Explorer competition, a statewide event. They also claimed many individual first place trophies in Combat Challenge, First Aid, and Ladders.