The Shaker Loudonville Fire Department’s Explorer Post 475 is celebrating 50 years of shaping teens for careers in emergency services. The program is the longest continuously operated explorer post in the country, giving high school students ages 14-18 hands-on experience in not only firefighting, but also in acting as first responders. As a branch off from the Boy Scouts of America, the program is conducted under the supervision of certified Post Advisors and brings together students from across the Capital Region.
Two Shaker High School students, sophomore Jack Monette and senior Brayden Blanchard, are proudly continuing their family legacies in firefighting. Both students joined the program about a year ago, inspired by their family members.
“My family runs in the fire department, so I just decided why not join just to continue in my family?” said Jack.
For Brayden, the program offers a chance to continue a tradition started long before him.
“My dad is a member of Latham,” Brayden added. “My grandfather and great grandfather were members of Albany.”
Both students are balancing participation in the Explorer program while also attending school daily.
“I get my work done during the day then I just come here at night, do my drills and train,” said Jack.
Depending on their schedules, they spend four to eight hours a week at the firehouse.
“It’s a great program,” said Jack. “I really enjoy doing it and recommend it to more people interested in joining the fire department.”
For those interested in joining the program, visit the Shaker Loudonville Fire Department website https://www.shakerroadfire.com/explorer-post.