City of Casa Grande

The City of Casa Grande Fire Department Explorer Post 911 recently promoted five young adults from Explorer Recruit to Fire Explorer I and two young adults from Fire Explorer I to Fire Explorer II.

These individuals have spent approximately 1-year in training to achieve these promotions, Chief Miller stated.  Besides these promotions, a Fire Explorer of the Year Award for 2009 was given to Fire Explorer Maurice Sanchez for his involvement in Post activities and training.

Explorers are part of the Learning for Life (LFL) career education program for young men and women aged 14 to 20.  The LFL program is developed by local community organizations that match interests of young adults with the program resources of the organization.  There are five areas of program emphasis: career opportunities, life skills, service, character education and leadership experience.

Casa Grande Fire Department

is the proud home of

Explorer Post 911

Fire Hose Training at the Academy

As part of the ongoing training for Explorers, members participated in classroom and hands-on hose evolutions. Much like regular firefighter training, explorers were exposed to deploying hose of differing sizes and lengths as well as properly loading it back into a ready status on the apparatus. The training is designed to teach explorers the safe and proper use of hose when at fire scenes. Explorers, when fully trained, are able to deploy hose and fight real fires, such as car fires, dumpster fires and small brush fires. Explorers can also deploy large diameter hose used for fire hydrants when apparatus are at structure fires.

Fire Explorer Post 911

EXPLORING: is Part of the "Learning for Life" career education for young men and women who are 14(who have completed the 8th grade) through 20 years of age.


EXPLORING: was established to provide experiences to help young adults mature, as well as prepare them to become responsible, caring, productive citizens. Explorers become ready to investigate the meaning of interdependence in their personal relationships and communities.

EXPLORING: at the Casa Grande Fire Department is a unique and dynamic experience; where not only is an explorer able to receive training, but also has the ability to apply, and prove skills in an emergency setting. This is a great opportunity for young adults to positively interact with the community. Whether it be learning how to take a baseline set of vitals, or extinguishing a car fire, Explorers will gain a sense of pride and self-accomplishment.


The Casa Grande Fire Explorer Post 911 specializes in a variety of career skills. They are all based on five areas of emphasis: Career Opportunities, Life Skills, Service Learning, Character Education and Leadership Service.

Career Opportunities: Develop potential contacts that may broaden employment options. Boost self-confidence and experience success at school and work.

Life Skills: Build physical and mental fitness. Experience positive social interaction.

Service Learning: Encourage the skill and desire to help others and to respect cultural diversity.

Character Education: Help make ethical choices and serve one's community.

Leadership Experience: Acquire leadership skills that develop self-esteem and self-confidence.

EXPLORERS WILL:
*Gain practical knowledge of career opportunities, life skills, service learning, character education and leadership experience to encourage the development of the whole person.

*Experience positive leadership from adult and youth leaders, and given opportunities to take on leadership roles.

*Have a chance to learn and grow in a supportive, caring and structured environment.

Explorers in the Casa Grande Fire Department program are able to participate in a wide variety of activities. These activities include:

*FIRST AID
*C.P.R.
*BLOOD BORNE PATHOGENS
*SAFETY
*EQUIPMENT FAMILIARIZATION
*PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
*HOSE LAYS/ HOSE DRILLS
*HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
*SELF CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS
*LADDERS
*PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
*FIRE STREAMS
*FIRE BEHAVIOR
*BRUSH FIRES
*ROPES/KNOTS

The Casa Grande Fire Explorer Post 911 will provide basic and advanced training to students, allowing them to ride with members of the fire department and assist in delivery of emergency services. Post 911 is also active in voluntary community service projects as well as fund raising activities that keep the Post self-sustaining. All of these areas provide the student with a well-rounded education that provides excellent "life experience" for future employment or college.

Participation in Community Functions:

*March of Dimes Walk America
*Big Brother Big Sister Bowl-a-thon
*Adopt a Highway Clean-up
*Public Safety Health Fair
*Make a difference Day
*Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon
*Rent-a-Santa Program
*City of Casa Grande's Fourth-of-July Activities
*City of Casa Grande's Halloween Carnival


If you would like to learn more about the Casa Grande Fire Explorer Program please contact us at 421-8777 or email the chief.