Program Overview

The Explorer program’s purpose is to provide role models to help educate young adults with hands-on knowledge of fire service skills through organized bi-weekly meetings and training. The program participates in the recruitment and mentorship of new explorer members.  Explorers are exposed to different career paths available within fire service and gain a basic understanding of the skills necessary to operate safely at a fire scene.

Management Oversight

The Explorer program is directed by the Division Chief of Training with oversight authority delegated to the Battalion Chief and program coordinator. This program does not have any full-time equivalent employees. This program contains expenses pertaining to general supplies and equipment purchases and overtime for training and program administration.

Goals and Objectives

• Attract and educate our community's youth about careers in the Fire Service, our Explorer and Cadet programs, as well as financial assistance available to those in need. 
• To expose explorers to the different career paths available within the fire service. 
• Orientation, registration, and issuance of uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE). 
• Provide explorer training and a basic understanding of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to operate safely at an emergency scene under supervision. 
• Provide support and mentorship to Explorers throughout the year. 
• Provide Explorer volunteer opportunities at yearly Fire District and community events. 
• Ensure successful completion of the Explorer program and prepare students to advance into the Menlo Park Fire Cadet program. 

FY 2023-24 Accomplishments

• Held bi-weekly meetings and hands-on training sessions covering Firefighting, EMS, and Rescue skills, including skills testing for all participants.
• Engaged Explorers in community events such as the Chili Cook-Off, Relay for Life, San Mateo County Disaster Preparedness Day, Menlo Park Fire Pancake Breakfast, Easter Egg Hunt, and Toy Drive.
• Paid respects at the funeral of former Explorer Elias Flores in September 2023 and supported two former Explorers who became Menlo Park Fire Cadets in January 2024.
• Hosted resume writing and test-taking workshops led by Kristen MacDonald and Corey Lee, and facilitated a recruitment talk by Shelly Gonzales from AMR.
• Established the Menlo Park Fire District Explorer Scholarship in May 2024 and awarded the first scholarship to Miguel Martinez in June to attend the FF1 Academy in August 2024.
• Promoted the Explorer Post at the NorCal First Alarm Girls Fire Camp, participated in the East Palo Alto Academy Career Fair, and supported Zach Lyssand and Marquis Butler as they attended the CSM Fire Academy's Live Fire training with borrowed turnouts.

FY 2024-25 Program Initiatives

• Encourage Explorers pursuing firefighting careers to apply for the Menlo Park Fire District Scholarship, assisting them in completing FF1 & EMT certifications and transitioning to Menlo Park Fire Cadets.
• Attend the California Fire Explorer Academy in June 2024 (June 21-28) in Las Vegas, NV, marking the first academy since COVID.
• Conduct bi-weekly meetings and hands-on training sessions to develop essential firefighting skills.
• Provide orientation, registration, and distribute uniforms and PPE to new Explorers.
• Offer volunteer opportunities for Explorers to engage with the community and gain real-world experience.
• Administer knowledge, skill, and abilities testing, along with CPR training to ensure proficiency in essential life-saving skills.