MANSFIELD — Calling all youngsters interested in a career in fire service: the Mansfield Fire Department is launching a new program you’re going to want to check out.
Open to youth age 14-21, the Mansfield Fire Explorers Post 7550 will give participants the chance to experience what it’s like to serve as a firefighter, EMT or paramedic.
Mansfield firefighter Shawn Yerian said the program is geared toward Mansfield students, though those who live outside of city limits won’t be turned away.
“We’re trying to encourage more interest in the fire service,” Yerian said. “Across the country, including Ohio, there just seems to be a lack of people looking at the fire service right now, so we’re trying to recruit youth.”
Fire Service Exploring is a career-oriented program offered by Learning for Life, a branch of the Boy Scouts of America. The program is open to both males and females.
“It’s kind of like a mentorship program,” Yerian described. “This is a way to get their feet wet.”
Participants will meet monthly in a classroom setting and are encouraged to partake in monthly two-hour ride-alongs.
It’s a continuing program, meaning students could start their freshman year and continue through their senior of high school. Ideally, they would then take the civil service test after turning 18 and apply for a job at the department, Yerian said.
“It’s definitely a benefit during the interview process,” Yerian said. “It shows that you have some kind of training.”
Mansfield firefighter Todd Toussant was a Fire Explorer with another department and joined the Mansfield Fire Department at the age of 20, Yerian said.
“If there would have been a program like this in high school that I could have gotten into — I’ve always had an interest in public safety — if I would have had this available to me I would have definitely benefited from it,” said Yerian, who became a firefighter at 27.
A career in fire service isn’t limited to fighting fires. Yerian pointed out, “There’s also the medical side of it — you get to treat people who may have an illness or help them out if they were in a fire or got burnt.”
Participants are trained in CPR and will receive their own gear and uniforms, Yerian said.
Advisors will be Mansfield firefighters.
An initial meeting will be held May 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Station 4 (1020 S. Main St.) during which families will have the chance to learn more about the program. Those who are interested in the program but are unable to attend the meeting are encouraged to contact Yerian at syerian@ci.mansfield.oh.us.
