Pinellas News
Fire Explorers get tips from surprise guest
By Eric Horchy | Suncoast News
Published: November 15, 2012
TARPON SPRINGS - North Pinellas Fire Explorers Post 969 members received a surprise and informative visit from a seasoned vet.Published: November 15, 2012
Rick Lasky, a 34-year fire service veteran and former fire chief in Lewisville, Texas, dropped by the Explorers' meeting last Wednesday in Tarpon Springs to share some of his experiences and advice.
Since retiring from the fire service, Lasky lectures to public and private audiences across the nation and internationally on a variety of leadership topics. Lasky is the author of "Pride and Ownership: A Firefighter's Love of the Job," published in 2006. In addition, he is the co-host of "The Command Post," a show on "Fire Engineering Talk Radio," on BlogTalkRadio.com.
Kevin Scanlan, a North Pinellas Fire Explorers senior adviser and Tarpon Springs firefighter, said Lasky spent about an hour with the young people, sharing career advice and personal experiences and taking questions. Lasky was in town for a separate event and happened to be at the Tarpon Springs Public Safety Building last Wednesday and was kind enough to join in with the Explorers, Scanlan said.
"It was a great experience for these up-and-coming students who have an interest in a career as a firefighter," wrote Liz Monforti, Palm Harbor Fire Rescue spokeswoman, in an email.
The North Pinellas Fire Explorers Post 969 is led by a joint effort between the Tarpon Springs Fire Department and Palm Harbor Fire Rescue. Both fire services previously operated separate Explorers posts until joining forces in 2001.
The program's officially known as Fire and Emergency Service Career Exploring, which operates under the guidelines of the Boy Scouts of America, and is a national initiative with over 22,500 participants, according to its website.
Explorers receive classroom and practical training and can take part in the Ride-Along Program to ride on the fire apparatus. Some who have reached a proficient level of training can accompany firefighters to medical and fire emergencies, Monforti wrote.
The North Pinellas Fire Explorers Post 969 meets 7-9 p.m. every Wednesday at the Tarpon Springs Fire Department, in the Public Safety Building, at 444 Huey Ave. Prospective students must be between the ages of 14 and 21.
More information can be accessed by calling Tarpon Springs Deputy Fire Chief Donald Sayre at (727) 938-3737.
ehorchy@suncoastnews.com (727) 815-1071