City of Gaffney sponsoring Explorer post

The Gaffney Fire Department is on the lookout for a few Explorers interested in the career of public service.

Sponsored by the City of Gaffney, a Gaffney Fire Department Explorer Post is being formed to give area boys and girls, ages 14 to 20, an opportunity to explore a career as a firefighter. An organizational meeting will be held Thursday, Jan. 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the Multipurpose Room of Cherokee Technology Center.

While Explorer post members won’t participate in actual firefighting work, they will train with fire department members with genuine firefighting equipment. Fire Chief Nathan Ellis said Explorer post members will ultimately be able to do ride-alongs with the fire department.

Moreover, those who participate will be able to earn certifications through the South Carolina Fire Academy, such as the OSHA Firefighter Certification, that would qualify them to work in any fire department in South Carolina.

While Explorer Posts fall under the auspices of the Boy Scouts of America, being a boy or a Scout is not a requirement.

“It’s equal opportunity,” Ellis said of female participation. “They will get to do the same things the boys do.”

To get off the ground, Gaffney needs at least five people to join the post and Ellis is hopeful for a good turnout Thursday. The post will remain open to new members once it’s operational.

“If we have 10 (members at the start), I’m happy,” Ellis said.

Once organized, the post members will meet once a month, likely at the Gaffney Fire Department headquarters. Additional activities such as ride-alongs will be planned for vacation days from school, such as during the summer break.

While post members will never be placed in harm’s way, Ellis said, “The training they will go through will be physically demanding.”

He added, “These students, if they’re a part of the Explorer program, will be a part of the Gaffney Fire Department family.”

While Explorer posts are designed to be career education programs that not only provide experiences but also help members mature, Ellis sees a post centered on fire service as a benefit for the entire county.

“We hope we’ll be able to attract and recruit future employees,” he said. “We also hope it will encourage participation with local volunteer fire departments.”

Ellis said there often are few applicants from Cherokee County whenever the Gaffney Fire Department has vacancies. “We have practically none from within the city limits,” Ellis said.

Numerous members of the Gaffney Fire Department will be volunteering their time for the program.

Cost for participation in the post is expected to be $25, though scholarships will be available.

“I don’t want money to keep anybody from being a part of it,” Ellis said.

For concerned parents, Ellis offered that post members will always be under close supervision. He said parental involvement is welcome.