| Nashville Fire Explorers Post 417 was formed in 1994 as a
cooperative between the Boy Scouts of America, the Nashville Fire
Department, and Nashville Firefighter Michael Meeks. The Explorers
offer youth between the ages of 14 and 20 the opportunity to
experience and train in fire and emergency services, and to provide
various services to the community. Post 417 affords the explorers
the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and skills they have worked
hard to develop. Post 417 has formed bonds with other fire and EMS
services in the state, including Greenbrier V.F.D.and Bethpage
V.F.D. The program's membership ranges between 20 and 115 active
youth and adults. Approval from local fire departments that allows
members to "job shadow" ride along demonstrates the confidence in
the member's skills and training.
As the role of the program expanded to community education, the
Emergency Services Youth Association was formed. A "cadet"
program for older members wanting to pursue a career in emergency
services and/or ownership of equipment and vehicles used by the
program was founded.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Providing community services affords members the opportunity to
demonstrate their knowledge and skills. Over 35,000 youth and
adults are reached annually. With the addition of our "Hazard
House" (30' display trailer of household and life safety hazards)
more people will be affected as we set up at community events,
safety fairs, and corporate events. Our current project is to
purchase a 2000 Combination Sprinkler/Fire Safety House that will
provide escape training, live residential fire sprinkler programs,
as well as weather preparedness.
FUNDING AND CURRENT NEEDS
Raising funds for the program is exhausting. Corporate
sponsorship, individual donors, and service projects provide funds to
purchase handout materials and cover operating expenses. We have
been fortunate to obtain partial funding through a combination grant
from the State of Tennessee Environmental Division, which sponsors the
Radon exhibit. Programs and services are limited by the size of
funds obtained. Our members desire to serve their community but
sometimes have their opportunities limited.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Plans are set to raise funds for a 39 foot "Escape and Sprinkler
Trailer" built by Scotty Company. It has a 8X8 ft. glassed in room
with residential sprinklers. We can demonstrate the effectiveness
of a sprinkled home by setting fire within the room which activate the
sprinklers.
Additional plans are to purchase a portable display "Hazard Town"
that can be carried into classrooms to teach fire and personal safety.
As a table top model of a house and community, it has proven to be a
valuable tool for life safety.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Supporting us through your contributions, grants, advertisements in
our handouts, and display sponsorship will keep our services to our
community. Contact us for a personal visit to review our needs.
We have several ways to help promote your business, if desired.
To make a donation to this exciting program, please make a check
payable to the Metro Fire Explorers/Emergency Services Youth
Association, 3545 Bell Road, Nashville, Tennessee 37214. A
Certificate of Support and a letter with our tax information will be
sent to you acknowledging your generous support and donation.
Michael Meeks, Director
Phone/Fax 615-889-2220
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