American Canyon board hears Explorer Program youth presentation

Fire Captain Robert Rojas updated the American Canyon Fire Protection District board on July 28 about the Explorer Program, which the captain said reopened on Jan. 1, 2023 after a COVID-era pause and accepts participants ages 14 to 21 who want to learn about the fire service.

Rojas introduced a short documentary highlighting three current explorers and asked the youths to introduce themselves and say how long they've been in the program. Sergio Garcia, who said he has been an explorer since February 2022, and other participants described hands-on experiences including ride-alongs, EMT and paramedic school preparation, and mentorship from advisors. "This program to me is me putting my foot through the door and trying to push myself in the right path to get into this career," Sergio Garcia said.

Board members congratulated the explorers and their advisors. Board member Cruz and others commended the advisors for mentorship, and Chair Washington called the explorers "heroes" in American Canyon and offered to pose for a photo with them. The board confirmed with counsel and staff that taking a group photo with minors was permissible; there were no objections raised.

The presentation also noted the explorers' community involvement in events such as Fourth of July parades and "Meet Me in the Streets" and that several former explorers have moved into EMT and paramedic training or nursing school. The board asked no substantive policy questions and expressed appreciation; no formal action was required.