Henrico Fire Explorer Post #651, on Sunday October 5th, 2008 hosted the first Annual Fire Explorer Challenges at the Henrico Fire Training Facility on Woodman Road. Explorer Posts from Norfolk and James City County Fire Departments attended and provide strong competition to our Henrico Explorers. Our day started off with all the Post's forming for the presentation of the colors, and a moment to remember those fallen brothers and sisters, who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. October 5th is National Fallen Firefighter's Day, and kicked off this year's Fire Prevention Week. The day's events were comprised of 5 events, that were both physically and mentally challenging to all those that participated. The events included carrying a high rise bundle weighing 42 lbs, up 5 stories, hoisting a hose up 5 stories, a simulated forcible entry drill, advancing a 100' charged hose line, and finished with a 100' 175 lb victim rescue.
Overall Henrico Fire Explorer Post #651 took home an admirable 2nd place. Explorers from Henrico took home the top honor in 2 of the 5 individual events. Explorer Michael Harris was the fastest in the forcible entry drill, moving 160 lb steel block 5', in a time of 9.25 seconds! Explorer Julian Day saved the victim in the victim rescue in a remarkable 16.13 seconds! Finally in a relay of all 5 of the events, Explorers Michael Ramsey, Parker Coughlin, Michael Harris, James Hyman, and Julian Day took home 2nd place, completing all 5 events in a stellar 2 minutes flat! Way to go Post #651!
Explorer Post #651 is lead by Post Captain Parker Coughlin and Post Lieutenant Michael Ramsey. Post Advisory Staff is Senior Firefighter Kevin M. Jones, Firefighter Christopher Worden, and Office Assistant Brenda Kapelewski.
Fire Service Exploring is a program of Learning for Life, a subsidiary of the Boy Scouts of America, which offers career opportunities, leadership experience, life skills, service learning, and character education to young adults ages 14 to 21.
To join the Fire And Emergency Services Post 651, Contact the Post Advisor here or call 501-4900 and ask for Post 651 Advisor, or you can attend the next drill.