Collinsville Fire Department Explorers were one of 16 teams competing in the 2009 Fire Games in Dallas at the Dallas Fire Training Center on May 9.
All departments had at lest two teams competing in the competition, Collinsville also competed with two teams; they consisted of seven local youths enrolled in the Collinsville Exploring program: Dillon Stewart, Brook McKee, Patrick Cox, James Blake, Brian Claypole, Jake Godsey and Axle Jones.
The competing teams consisted of Dallas FD, Collinsville FD, Plano FD, Gunter FD, Garland FD, Pflugerville FD and Wyle FD.
The competition consisted of seven events those events being Room Search, CPR and patient movement, Spinal Immobilization, Ladder raise, SCBA relay, Make and Break hose operations and a Physical Agility.
Each event is scored on a points scale and secondly scored on time. The teams placed in each event based on their points scored and then on the time taken to perform the event. At the end of the day each teams points are totaled up and there are also awards given to the top three overall teams based on a accumulation of overall points from all events.
Collinsville's Explorers Team B won 2nd place overall, Team A won 3rd place overall and they also took 1st place in Room Search (A Team), 2nd place in Ladder Raise (B Team), 2nd place in Room Search (B Team), 2nd place in CPR and Movement (A Team) and 3rd place in Spinal Immobilization (A-Team).
Fire Service Exploring is a worksite-based program for young men and women who have completed the eighth grade and are 14 years of age. Fire Service Explorer posts help youth gain insight into a variety of programs that offer hands-on career activities. For young men and women who are interested in careers in the field of fire service, Exploring offers experiential learning with lots of fun-filled, hands-on activities that promote the growth and development of adolescent youth.
Explorings purpose is to provide experiences that help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults. Explorers are ready to investigate the meaning of interdependence in their personal relationships and communities.
Exploring is based on a unique and dynamic relationship between youth and the organizations in their communities. Local community organizations initiate a specific Explorer post by matching their people and program resources to the interests of young people in the community. The result is a program of activities that helps youth pursue their special interests, grow, and develop.
Information on the Fire Exploring program can be found at the department web-site www.collinsvillefire.com or contact Damon Stewart at stewart705@mail.collinsvillefire.com
Exploring programs are based on five areas of emphasis: career opportunities, life skills, citizenship, character education, and leadership experience.
Career Opportunities
Develop potential contacts that may broaden employment options
Boost self-confidence and experience success at school and work
Life Skills
Develop physical and mental fitness
Experience positive social interaction
Citizenship
Encourage the skill and desire to help others
Gain a keen respect for the basic rights of others
Character Education
Help make ethical choices
Fulfill one's responsibilities to society as a whole
Leadership Experience
Acquire leadership skills necessary to fulfill one's responsibilities in society
Develop a variety of leadership traits
Also Young adults involved in Exploring will
Gain practical knowledge of and experience in a career
Engage in a program of activities centered on career opportunities, life skills, citizenship, character development, and leadership experience to encourage the development of the whole person
Have opportunities to take on leadership roles
Have a chance to learn and grow in a supportive, caring, and enjoyable environment