NUNDA— There are plenty of ways for a teenager to give back to the community. 

      Some may help out with a clothing drive, or by donating blood. Despite the endless rain, the summer was a hot one for the 12 boys and girls who chose to volunteer their time and learn what it takes to become a firefighter. 

     This summer marked the beginning of a unique youth-oriented volunteer program. The Nunda Fire Department, Police Department, and Ambulance Corps launched in June the Nunda Community Explorer Post 1848. This program gives teenagers the opportunity to learn what it takes to be a firefighter, paramedic, and police officer. 

     Affiliated with Boy Scouts of America, the program, meets at the Nunda Fire Hall every second and fourth Thursday of the month. Kids, between ages of 14 and 21, get a chance to participate in this hands-on program. The stepping stone is not only a great opportunity for any kid interested in public service, but is a chance for the boys and girls in the program to give back to their community. 

     “This is a great program for the kids,” said Joe Wood, founder and advisor to the program. After reading an article in a fire fighting magazine. Wood, fire chief of Nunda, was motivated to get the program underway in Nunda. 

      Although the program has just began, members participated in a control burn on Aug. 24. “We have been taught how to use the portable pumps, and the tools on the fire truck,” Greg Kershner, 16. said. “It is just the beginning and we will be getting into more stuff.” Kershner’s father, Loren Kershner, is a member of the fire department and helped found the program. 

      Some members were able to help out during the Nunda flood. “We helped out the firemen by pumping out basements and blocking off roads,” Kershner said. “It was quite exciting.” 

      The recent blackout called on the young explorers again.  “We helped [the firemen] with the flood.” John Tomczak, 15, said. “We were like regular firemen that day.” 

      “This is a life skills program.” Wood said. “Our goals are to instill public and community pride.” 

     Another goal, Wood mentioned, is to increase recruitment and retention for the medical and fire services. “Recruitment and retention are difficult,” Wood said. “It is hard to get people to join. With this program hopefully they will want to stay in because these kids have a heads up.” 

     As incoming president for the Livingston County Volunteer Firefighter Association in November. Wood hopes to promote this program on the county level. 

     ‘There are several explorer programs in the county.  There has never been anything done to pull them together.  That is what I am hoping to do.” Wood said. 

     At the Western New York convention in Lakeville, a separate tent city will be set up for the young explorers next year, an overnight opportunity to continue to practice fire fighting skills.
 

Article excerpt from the Livingston County News, August 28th, 2003