By Joe Bachman

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — Local area youth interested in a career as a firefighter will have an opportunity to get up close and personal with local fire officials next week.

On Wednesday, Sept. 27, the Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department will team up with local boy scouts for a career explorer post day. Those interested in becoming a firefighter, will learn how to extricate vehicles, what it’s like to be on a fire team, learn how to use fire hoses, and even try on some of the equipment.

“We would show them the different tasks that we do as firefighters,” said Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department Captain of Operations Todd Eckes.

The post seeks to hold classes up to twice a month, and with enough funds raised, could even find themselves in a national explorer post conventions. Courses will be geared towards youth ages 14-20, and historically, the program is not without results.

“Years ago we had an explorer post, and as a matter of fact, one of our members of the fire department is a direct result of that explorer post and is working for us, currently.” said Eckes.

The boy scouts involvement will also provide the adult leader with the training needed for these programs, which in turn will lay the groundwork for the future of the area.

“The purpose of the program is to help young people mature and to prepare the to become responsible caring adults,” said District Executive for South Wood/Adams Counties Dan Schmidt. “We match up youth with community organizations to help foster dynamic relationships in fields of their potential career interest.”

The explorer post will be held at Fire Station No. 2 at 6:30 p.m., located at the corner of 17th Ave. South and W. Grand Ave. For more information, please call 715-409-6155.