Fire Explorers Program

Our Accomplishments
Application for program

The City of Miami Fire Explorers Program matches young adults interested in the Fire and Rescue profession with the people and program resources within the City of Miami Fire Department. It is open to young men and women ages 14 - 16.

The program was originally established in 1988 under the leadership of Executive Assistant Veldora Arthur with the support of the Miami Fire Rescue Department. The program has been in existence for at least 17 years.

The Fire Explorers program is designed to:

One of the many goals of the program is to help each Explorer develop leadership skills, gain a wealth of knowledge, and obtain practical experience in the Fire and Rescue career field.

Instilling values and developing the interpersonal skills to deal with various types of people and cultural differences are a part of each Explorer’s social experience. Our community responsibility is to help others. We encourage the skills and desire to assist those in need.

The Explorers have had the opportunity to practice their skills and receive practical career training from firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics. As a part of their hands-on training, each Explorer rides on a rescue truck with career professionals. They not only have the opportunity to observe the professionals in action, but also to apply some of the basic skills that they have learned to real-life situations.

We currently have 5 adult advisors who are active participants in the Explorers program and consistently volunteer their time. We also have the support of volunteer firefighters and EMTs who provide their services for larger Explorer activities that require more adult supervision, such as the Race Week Miami Cup Regatta sponsored by the Boys Scouts of America.

Meetings are scheduled twice a month on Saturdays. A typical Saturday meeting would consist of:
  1. Roll Call and Inspections
  2. Physical Training
  3. Classroom Instruction
  4. Explorer’s Post Meeting (Conducted by Explorers)
  5. Lab or Hands-On Training