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Lake Carmel Explorer Post #2041 Named NVFC Junior Firefighter Program of the Year

Published Date: 04.14.2011

The Lake Carmel (NY) Fire Department Explorer Post #2041 has been named the National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) Junior Firefighter Program of the Year. The award is sponsored by Tyco International and annually honors a junior firefighter program or Explorer Post that has demonstrated significant community impact, innovation, and creativity.

Representatives from the Lake Carmel Fire Department and Explorer Post received the award during a special ceremony on April 5 at the NVFC spring board meeting. In addition, David Jacobowitz, NVFC’s Director from New York, presented the Explorers with a proclamation of congratulations from the Fireman’s Association of the State of New York.

“This is honestly one of my proudest moments,” said Robert Shannon, who started as an Explorer with Lake Carmel and is now a past Chief of the department.

Members of the Lake Carmel Fire Department and Explorer Post accepted the NVFC Junior Firefighter Program of the Year Award from Joe Guyotte (at podium).

The Lake Carrmel Fire Department Explorer Post #2041 was established in 1979 to provide department members' children organized and constructive time at the firehouse. The department later expanded the program to allow students from surrounding towns and fire districts to join the Post. More than 50 former Explorers have joined their local fire department after graduation, and eight have gone on to serve with the Lake Carmel Fire Department in leadership capacities.
 
The Explorers run their own drills, meetings, teamwork challenges, and fundraisers. They also organize trips to the New York State Fireman’s Home in Hudson, the Westchester County Burn Center, and to FDNY firehouses. The Explorers receive CPR training annually and participate in the state training weekend at the NY State Fire Academy, training at the FDNY academy, Explorer training at the FASNY Conference, and local county training events. They compete at various firematic competitions and parades as teamwork-building exercises.
 
The Explorers work side by side with the fire department, assisting at drills, fundraisers, and community events. In addition, the Explorers teach fire prevention at local schools. For the last 10 years the Explorer Post has hosted a training and competition weekend in honor of junior firefighters across the country who were killed responding to calls.

The Lake Carmel Explorer Post has long been a leader in their region and works with other departments hoping to establish youth programs.

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