Fire Explorer Post #888 began in December 1982 with five members. Captain Bob Topil organized the post and served as the first senior advisor.
Exploring is a hands-on examination of a career field that young people are interested in and would like to pursue in the future. Fire explorers are exposed to every facet of training that Lincoln Fire & Rescue professionals undertake, including CPR, search/rescue, vehicle, fire suppression, and public education activities.
Explorers attend regular meetings and training facilitated by post advisors. Post advisors are Lincoln firefighters who provide guidance and career development to post members.
In addition to regular meetings, Explorers are allowed to ride along with LF&R crews twice a year from 0700-2200 hours. Explorers also assist LF&R by participating in numerous public education events throughout the year.
Currently 10 LF&R members ranking from firefighter to battalion chief participated in Post #888 prior to beginning their emergency service careers. Several other former explorers are working in the emergency services field with other agencies and organizations.
Fire exploring members must be physically fit, academically sound, and dependable. They must also have a clean police and drug record. If a young person between the ages of 14 and 20 is interested in exploring the fire service as a profession, contact Brady Papik at: bpapik@lincoln.ne.gov.
Watch Fire Explorer Maddi Engler give a hat, coat, and boot demo here.