 Explorers Challenge was an all-day event, beginning with
registration at the Lincoln Rural Fire Protection District building,
1350 21st St. Four communities were represented: Latham, Lincoln,
Mendota and Morrisonville. Teams were formed from each attending
group, with Lincoln Rural having two teams, and individuals from
Lincoln and Mendota forming a sixth team.
Explorers are boys and girls 14 to 18 years old who are
interested in learning more about firefighting. At the Lincoln site,
yearly dues are $20, and meetings are the second and fourth
Wednesday of each month at the Lincoln Rural Fire Protection
District station.
Ongoing skills training and practice in firefighting techniques
expose the youth to requirements and responsibilities of the job.
They also learn about equipment, safety and teamwork. They may apply
to become an official member of the department when they are 18.
Lincoln Rural has over 20 youth on the Explorers roster. There
are 26 official firefighters with the district, and seven of those
initially belonged to Explorers.
Adam Wessbecher, a rural firefighter and lead adviser for the
Explorers, welcomed the youth to the Explorer Challenge Saturday
morning and offered instructions for the day's event.
"First of all, have fun," Wessbecher said. "It's friendly
competition. This is a way to use the skills you've learned and
learn from each other."
To get started, two "exposures" were conducted at the training
building (old city garage) on North Kickapoo, across from Latham
Park. For the day, the youth were fully outfitted firefighters using
their skills to complete the assigned tasks.
For starters, there was an inside obstacle course, followed by a
timed sequence: carrying a folded hose, climbing an extension
ladder, pulling a folded hose to the roof. They were then to run to
a designated space, wait for their team members and come together to
hit a target with a stream of water from a fire hose.
In the afternoon, teams practiced their aim in a water ball
competition and a timed bucket brigade contest. The final times
varied by several minutes, but it was the practice and lessons in
"how to" that were most important. Advisers from different towns
assisted on each exposure, and the youth were never without adviser
supervision and coaching.
Parents, grandparents and other community members were observing
throughout the day.
Mark Morgan, minister at the Latham Baptist Church, is that fire
department's official chaplain. He is also a "full-fledged"
firefighter.
"It builds confidence in me, when they know I fight fires beside
them," the Rev. Morgan said, in reference to the other firefighters.
"I can talk with families when they have been through a
disaster, and I am also available for counseling," he noted.
"It helps to understand the needs and situations they
encounter," he said. "I can reach out to someone when they have
experienced trauma and can watch for signs of stress in those who
have been through a disaster or in those who are charged with
protecting the community."
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Advisers included Lt. Tony Crosier, of Latham, and his cousin,
fire Chief Kenny Crosier. They expressed a similar sentiment -- that
training the younger generation is investing in the future.
"I want to train them so they can take over," Tony said, "because
they are who we will depend on.
"Anytime you can teach anyone anything, it is a great
opportunity. I am glad the kids can do this."
Firefighting is traditionally a male-dominated profession. But
several women have joined the ranks in fire departments across the
country. The Explorers program is open to boys and girls, and there
are girls in the Lincoln group. Last winter, Kelsey Brady was named
Explorer of the Year.
Two girls on the Mendota team competed Saturday. Morgan Mumm, 16,
spent time in the Mendota firehouse from childhood, since her father
was a firefighter. He died in the line of duty in 2007. She can't
think of anything else she would rather be than a firefighter. She
joined the Explorers as soon as she was old enough, at 14.
"I grew up being around the firehouse," Morgan said, "and I know
all the guys. It's my favorite place to be."
Kelly Christman, 16, is in her first year as an Explorer. She was
influenced by her friend Morgan's membership in Explorers but also
knew the kind of man Morgan's father was and wants to follow in his
footsteps.
For competition's sake, final times for the Explorer Challenge
teams were as follows: 1. Morrisonville, 8:43; 2. Lincoln Rural 1,
9:16; 3. Lincoln Rural 2, 10:26; 4. Latham, 12:51; 5. Mendota 1,
13:48; 6. Mendota 2/Lincoln Rural 3, 13:64.
The Explorers group sponsored by the Lincoln Rural Fire
Protection District will have its next regular meeting on Wednesday.
Youth from Lincoln and surrounding communities are welcome to
attend. The group currently has members from Clinton, Mason City and
other towns in or near Logan County. For more information, call the
firehouse at 217-732-6697.
[By MARLA BLAIR]
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