Costa Mesa's Fire Explorer Graduates

13 graduate from Costa Mesa Fire Explorers program

 

Thirteen Costa Mesa Fire Explorers recently passed a 100-question written exam and a skills test to graduate from a two-month-long program designed to give young men and women, ages 16 to 21, an introduction to a career as a firefighter.
The graduates were Emmanuel "Franky" Bello, Evan Bruski, Justin Day, Luke Fragale, Santiago Herrera, Cody LaTendresse, Thai Lawrence, Thien Nguyen, Jack Reilly, Jordan Robinson, Jonathan Rosales, Rey Soria and Juan Tapia.
The Class of 2014—which met on seven consecutive Saturdays beginning in January—learned a wide variety of skills from Costa Mesa firefighters, including basic medical aid, hose and hydrant operations, throwing and climbing ladders, how to use breathing apparatus and hand and power tools, and fire station etiquette.
“There are a number of impressive Explorer programs available throughout California,” Costa Mesa Fire Chief Dan Stefano said. “But there is no question that the Costa Mesa Explorer Program offers the highest quality of instruction, leadership, and mentoring.”

Fire Capt. Rob Gagne oversees the Costa Mesa Fire Explorer program, which is part of the Boy Scouts of America.

“All of the instructors are firefighters who were previously explorers at one time or another,” Gagne said. “Having been in their shoes, we knew what it would take to motivate them and keep their interest to where they would want to succeed.”

Applications for the Class of 2015 will be accepted in the fall. Those interested in the program—which costs $25 to join and about $250 for uniforms and books—can e-mail Gagne at rob.gagne@costamesaca.gov to get on an interest list or via the Costa Mesa Firefighters website (www.cmfd.com) for more information.