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The History of the post
The Oceanport Fire Explorers Post 38-1(Oceanport NJ) The Oceanport Fire Explorers are a group of youths aged 14 to 21 who are developing the skills necessary to become firefighters. They are sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America and train and drill along side Oceanport’s Firefighters in order to acquire the skills they will one day need. They work hard and listen to the experienced veteran firefighters who carefully coordinate drills and training for the explorers. Drills may include climbing ladders, controlling a fire hose, learning CPR or running a rescue scenario in which the young explorers must find “victims” and extricate them from a hazard. They also do work that promotes teamwork and demonstrate their pride for the Firehouse. This work might include cleaning Oceanport’s Fire Trucks, and the Fire House. The Fire Explorers take pride in serving their town just as all Firefighters of Oceanport do. The Oceanport Fire Explorers program was established so that the youth of Oceanport can see what firefighting is all about. It shows them how Firefighters work as a team, and promote good morals and citizenship. The Oceanport Fire Explorers program was established December 11, 2003. At that meeting their bylaws were introduced and the first officers were elected into office. Since then the explorers have had three post presidents and four captains. Today the executive board is ran by Mark Patterson (President). Mark’s duties are to oversee and coordinate fundraisers and conduct the monthly meeting. Smaller duties of the President are appointing committees and finalizing approval for membership. The post cabinet of executive officers include; Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. The post also has a cabinet of line officers. The controller of this cabinet is the Captain. The 2007 Oceanport Fire Explorer Captain is Tanner Shea. Tanner’s responsibilities for the 2007 year are to run the drills that the post has, and lead the Explorers in training related matters. The post cabinet of line officers include; 1st Lt, 2nd Lt, and Sergeant at arms. The Primary Advisor to the Oceanport Fire Explorers is Firefighter 1st Lt. Joe Wolfe. He has advised and offered his assistance since the start of the program. The Oceanport Fire Explorers meet regularly two times a month at the Oceanport Hook & Ladder Fire Company, 21 Main St. On the second Tuesday of every month they have formal meetings. This is where they discuss their financial status, new membership, upcoming fundraisers, and any other special needs or requirements of the post. On the fourth Tuesday of every month drills and training are carried out. This is where the explorers get the customized training that they will need when they become firefighters. The money needed to run and fund the Fire Explorer program is provided through donations and fundraisers. The Oceanport Fire Explorers run at least two car washes a year, and plan to host four breakfasts this year. The Oceanport Fire Explorers first breakfast is planned for Sunday February 25th from 8am-1pm at the Oceanport Hook and Ladder Fire Station, 21 Main St. Oceanport. All proceeds will benefit the Explorer program, and help them to acquire better training, apparel, radios/pagers, and other necessities. The program as whole has been very successful for the past 3 years. Membership has tripled since it had been established. Even more important, at least 7 explorers have graduated into fire fighters since the program began. In order to graduate into a Fire Fighter an Explorer must successfully complete the Firefighter I class offered by Monmouth County Fire Academy. It is a rigorous 150 hour course over four months that train and prepare an individual to become a Firefighter. The Fire Explorer program prepares the explorer for that course, and makes them better prepared than most other students of the course. The Oceanport Fire Explorers recently received a $40,000.00 grant to be distributed to Explorers who will be going on to higher education after High School. The Department of Homeland Security awarded this grant to support the recruitment and retention of Firefighters in our community.
Submitted By, Mark Patterson Oceanport Fire Explorer President
The growth of our post is vital. Donations may be sent to: 21 Main St. Oceanport, NJ 07757 c/o Oceanport Fire Explorers Youths ages 14-21 interested in membership please e-mail Post President Mark Patterson at OPFEPresident@yahoo.com
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