Roseville Fire Explorers gear up for the Minnesota State Fair
Governor’s Fire Prevention Day is August 28
On a hot August night, over a dozen Fire Explorers gathered in the back lot of the Roseville Fire Station dressed in 30 pounds of fire protection equipment. Although tired, the youth listened attentively to their advisor explaining the next exercise challenge: heading up a ladder while in gear. They were content to appreciate the slight breeze and chat with one another (as no cellphones were in sight) while they waited for their turn.
These last training events of summer are essential for the Roseville Fire Explorer Post to gear up for the Governor’s Fire Prevention Day at the Minnesota State Fair. Explorers from all over the state will gather on Friday, August 28 to compete, present, and educate one another on building firefighting skills. This is the second year that the Roseville Post has been able to represent since the program’s restart after the Covid-19 Pandemic.
The Roseville Post has been prepping for gear donning competitions (who can get their gear on the fastest), Search and Rescue mazes (blindfolded competitors are sent through a maze to search for survivors) and various safety modules. There’s also a Roseville group presenting on the importance of having working residential sprinkler systems.
“I’m excited for all the Explorer competitions at the fair, especially gear donning, because getting into uniform quickly is important for an emergency,” said Maxwell Graf, a second year Explorer and a Roseville Area High School sophomore. “Last year I didn’t feel quite prepared because I was new to Explorers. Now I think I have a better hang of what needs to be done to get a better time.”
This year the Roseville Post was chosen to do a vehicle extrication exercise as part of the festivities. What does that mean? They get to take apart a car in front of an audience.
“We get to show how to safely rescue someone in an accident and what steps are taken to ensure no additional harm is done,” said Theo Fast, second year Explorer and eighth grader at King of Kings Lutheran School. “I am looking forward to meeting other Explorers and getting to show our firefighting skills to the community.”
An Opportunity to Grow
The Explorers is a national program for young people to explore future career interests through hands-on training and work-site career opportunities. The Roseville Fire Department provides the leadership, financing, and location needed to sponsor the program. All advisors are professional firefighters and registered with the Northstar Council of Scouting America.
“I love to see how each Explorer grows in their love of firefighting,” said Kristi Sjostrom, lead advisor of the Roseville Fire Explorers and a 25 year veteran of the Roseville Fire Department.
Sjostrum was part of the Fire Explorer program in 2000, which jumpstarted her career with the Roseville Fire Department. She is now a Firefighter/EMT and handler for Ashes the fire dog.
“Five years ago we were able to restart the program in Roseville post-Covid, because there was a group of students that made their attendance [to Explorers] a priority… In order to have a strong program, kids need to show up,” said Sjostrom.
Approximately twenty youth regularly participate in the bi-weekly Sunday evening gatherings at the Roseville Fire Department. The program has been steadily growing in participants from Roseville and neighboring cities. Youth in sixth grade through age 21 can be involved in the Roseville Post. For membership, parental permission needs to be granted, waivers signed, and agreement to a code of conduct, including wearing a uniform.
Participants join for a variety of reasons. Some said they were considering a firefighting career. Some have parents who are firefighters. Others are doing it for the learning experience or to make new friends.
The program’s focus on character development, citizenship training, and career education is what differentiates Explorers from other youth opportunities. Youth who spend time in Explorers are being trained to find ways to serve in their community today, while looking ahead to how they can serve in a future firefighting career.
“Since my son joined Explorers, I’ve noticed a growth in Theo’s confidence, leadership, and excitement for community involvement,” said Autumn Fast, mom of 13-year-old Theo Fast, a second year Explorer. “The Roseville Fire Department has been incredible to work with and learn from… We couldn’t ask for better role models for our son.”
Mike Muscala, Roseville Area High School graduate, former NBA player, and assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns, is holding an estate online auction.
“Explorers is a program worth supporting and putting the Fire Department’s time into," said Battalion Chief Chris Dubay, a 1998 graduate of Roseville Area High School.
All advisors undergo background checks and youth protection training in addition to their time serving with the Explorers.
“The payoff is if just one of these kids goes into a firefighter career,” said Dubay. “We wouldn’t be in the fire service if we didn’t think it was the best job in the world.”
In addition to the State Fair, Explorer opportunities include accompanying the Fire Department on ride-alongs, community outreach events like Fridays with Fire Fighters, and representing the fire department at Night to Unite events in August.
The Sunday night meeting concluded with a wrap up address by Sjostrom explaining what the Explorers can expect for their visit at the State Fair (including a 5 AM gathering time at the Fire Station). She also reminded them when wearing the Explorer uniform, you are representing the Roseville Fire Department.
When she finished, Sjostrom looked around at the tired crew and the various miscellaneous items scattered around the Fire Station back lot, including hoses and ladders. Sjostrom told the crew to “Clean Up. Put your gear away.”
And they did.
Get Involved
Do you know of a youth who is in sixth grade or older with a passion for serving their community and interested in helping people? The Roseville Fire Explorers may be the place for them. To find out more about the Roseville Fire Explorers Program, visit here or send an email to emily.nelson@cityofroseville.com.
Governor’s Fire Prevention Day is an annual event at the Minnesota State Fair. All day events happen at the Dan Patch Park Stage on Friday, August 28. Find the schedule at the website below:
Disclosure: The author of this article has a family member and family friends participating in the Roseville Fire Explorer Post.
