Firefighters Teach Kids Skills

Stephen Kimble always knew he wanted to be a firefighter. At age 15, while attending high school in Milwaukee and working to support his family, he decided to take the first step in pursuing his dream.

Kimble said signing up to participate in the Milwaukee Fire Department’s Explorer Post 875 was a life changing experience.

The Explorer Post is a young adult program designed to help youth explore fire service careers.  The Explorer Post 875 is a branch of the Boy Scouts of America which has been sponsored by the Milwaukee Fire Department since 1999.  The program is available to anyone, ages 14-20, interested in a career in fire service.

Today, Kimble is a 21-year-old adviser for Milwaukee’s Explorer Post and was recently hired by the Milwaukee Council of the Milwaukee Boy Scouts Learning for Life program to oversee other Explorer Posts.  He considers himself a protector because he started taking care of his sister and ill mother early on in life, and said he believes this trait follows him as he helps young explorers.

Kimble said he learned more than just firefighting skills from his experiences with the Explorer Post.

“Just getting to know the instructors was amazing,” said Kimble.  “These guys played a gigantic role in my life.”

Once or twice a month a group of about 20 young explorers meet at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning at the Milwaukee Fire Academy on 6680 N. Teutonia Ave.  Each morning, volunteer firefighters from the Milwaukee Fire Department teach the young adults teamwork, life skills, and basic firefighting skills.

Lt. Jeff Gauthier, Explorer Post lead adviser, has been working for the Milwaukee Fire Department for 10 years.  He said firefighter qualifications are high and believes the program gives the kids an advantage because they learn hands-on skills ahead of time.

“The process to become a firefighter is so long,” said Gauthier.  “In Milwaukee, if you get through all of the testing, you go on a list which is run every 2-3 years and about 5,000 people apply.”

Hands-on learning opportunities

The program allows participants to use actual firefighting equipment to practice real skills. One basic skill they practice is chopping where they use axes to chop through telephone poles, simulating what they would have to do to break through a roof.

While 4 or 5 explorers practice chopping, their peers, who are watching and cheering them on, also may give advice on how to improve.

They also learn how to breathe through a self containing breathing apparatus (SCBA) while crawling through obstacles.  They wear the masks while practicing search and rescue techniques where they go through fake thick smoke and learn how to get a victim out of the building.

They also learn how to put up ladders, how to stretch hose lines properly, and regular engine company and truck company operations.  The explorers practice many of these skills by doing drills such as the hose drag races (seen on right).

Nate Volz, age 20, has been a participant in the Explorer Post for about two years and is currently an Explorer Captain. .  He now has an internship at the fire department in Madison and is studying paramedics at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC).

Volz said the training and connections he gained from the Explorer Post really helped him stay committed to his goals.

“I developed a really good work ethic,” said Volz. “I learned hard work really pays off.”

Besides the basic firefighting training, the group learns how to work as a team with other kids they may not know.   They learn leadership skills and practice presenting in front of their peers.  The firefighters also teach the kids discipline.  If students are late, they will have to do push-ups.

The Explorer Post also encourages students to become involved with the community.  For example, they may raise money for the American Burn Association or help teach fire safety.

“Even if they don’t go on as a firefighter, hopefully they pick up life skills,” said Gauthier.

On occasion, if they become proficient on a drill, they may teach the drill to others.

“We have four new kids here today and they’re already asking for advice from the other participants,” said Gauthier.  “And to me that’s a beautiful thing.”

Explorers move forward

Michael Allen, age 19, a student studying fire science at MATC, said his experiences with the Explorer Post helped him become less serious.  He formed a bond with his partner and fellow explorer, Ja’Quan Washington, age 20, who helped Allen open up to people.

Today, Allen and Washington often show younger explorers the ropes.

“I think the kids teach me more than I teach them because they come out and give 100 percent,” said Allen, adding, “and it gives me encouragement.”

Melissa Soboleski, a 17-year-old senior at Vincent High School, always knew she wanted to be a firefighter.  She said the Explorer Post gave her the confidence to pursue her goals.

“I always thought it’s really a man’s job, but after training I realized women can do it too,’” said Soboleski.

Justin McMenamin, age 21, is an adviser who has been involved with the Explorer Post for seven years.  He comes from a family of firefighters and has heard many stories about the fire service, but said the Explorer Post helped him see everything for himself.  He has worked for the Menomonee Falls Fire Department and is joining the U.S. Marines in May.

“Most people succeed here,” said McMenamin.  “They become dedicated.”

While the group works on skills, they may argue or joke around with one another.   Most of the explorers said they have formed strong relationships with their peers and advisers.  They show respect for the experienced firefighters by listening and following directions.

Kimble said the bond he formed with his advisers pushed him to continually improve.  He has a special bond with Lt. Aaron Lipski, an advisor who Kimble said is like a father to him.  He said Lipski is always there for him and expecting more from him.

Today, Kimble said he’s glad he can do the same for other young adults.

“It’s a good feeling when someone has your back and to know you would do the same thing for them,” said Kimble.  “No matter what you’ve done wrong they won’t cast a judgment.”