Page 10 - Ft. Irwin High Desert Warrior 1-8-16

10 High Desert Warrior www.aerotechnews.com/ntcfortirwin
January 8, 2016

Partnerships

Your future firefighters

Story and photos by Gustavo Bahena Directorate of Emergency Services here. as part of you and life ahead as you serve and continue
Hundreds of family members and friends attended the to grow in the fire explorers, but also as you continue in
Public Affairs Office your schools, in your communities and many other civic
graduation ceremony, which included Fort Irwin United organizations that I’m sure many of you participate in.”
Fire explorers from the Inland Empire Fire Explorer States Army Garrison Commander Col. Scott Taylor as
Association graduated, Dec. 6, from an annual academy the keynote speaker. He thanked the families for making The colonel acknowledged the academy was arduous,
that has been held at the National Training Center and the long trip to the event and praised the explorers for but rewarding.
Fort Irwin the past 15 years. their perseverance in the training they received.
“It was tough, it was demanding and through those
The 168 explorers completed the 24th IEFEA academy “I want to take a moment to thank you for your time challenges you’ve achieved something that is worthwhile,
after conducting four days of training that included: that you’ve taken this week to sacrifice of yourself, to com- something that you’ll be able to look back upon with pride
structural fire control, firefighter safety and survival, and mit yourselves to a program proven to teach skills through and hopefully say you had some fun and learned a few
flammable liquids and gases fire control. hard work, to develop teamwork through cooperation and things,” Taylor said.
camaraderie, and to dedicate yourselves to learning a bit
The explorers, ages 14-21, came from 30 posts within more about the core values of fire explorers,” Taylor said. Fire Explorer Capt. Efren Cuevas, with Explorer Post
Riverside and San Bernardino counties in Southern Cali- 620 in Hemet, Calif., completed his second academy and
fornia (West Covina post 465 in Los Angeles County also Taylor explained the fire explorer core values are similar wants to pursue a career as a firefighter. The 17-year-old
participated). They received training from more than 90 to the Army Values and provide a basis for future success. said the training was physically demanding, but he valued
advisors, who are firefighters from the participating posts. the experience for the realistic training that has helped
“The fire explorer core values are integrity, dedication,
The academy takes place through a long-standing responsibility and honor,” Taylor said. “Those values should See EXPLORERS, page 11
partnership with the Fort Irwin Fire Department of the always remain your guide post. They will remain every bit

Fire explorers attack a training fire fueled by propane during the Inland Empire Fire Fire Engine Capt. Jamie Williams (on nozzle), with Barstow Fire Department, teaches fire
Explorer Association academy held at Fort Irwin, Calif., Dec. 5. attack on a vehicle (control fire fueled by propane) to fire explorers participating in the
2015 Inland Empire Fire Explorer Academy.

Youth fire explorers (foreground and center) observe and listen to firefighters shouting A fire explorer color guard prepares to post the nation’s flag at a commencement
instructions during training inside a burn trailer at Fort Irwin, Calif., Dec. 5. The explorers ceremony for 168 graduates of the 2015 Inland Empire Fire Explorer Academy at Fort
were participating in the Inland Empire Fire Explorer Academy and the firefighters were Irwin, Calif., Dec. 6.
part of cadre providing instruction during the five days of the academy.

For more information go to www.irwin.army.mil