Wadsworth Explorers Program

The Wadsworth Fire & EMS Explorer Post is made up of young men and women who must be 14 years old and out of the 8^th grade to join.  The program is affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America, but is fully administered through Wadsworth Fire & EMS operating under the Boy Scouts of America's Guidelines and insurance.  The Explorer Program is a very unique opportunity for young adults to learn about the fire and emergency medical services. 

There are two levels of training.

Level 1, meets the same training standards that are required for a volunteer fire fighter in Ohio. 

 Level 2, this is a more advanced stage of training, upon the completion of this level the Explorers are allowed respond to the station, ride on apparatus and work with the department at fire scenes. At this point the Explorers have almost the same privileges as a regular probationary fire fighter, with the exceptions that they are not allowed to respond to motor vehicle accidents, enter a burning structure, climb ladders over thirty-five feet and operate power tools.

A few of the areas the Explorers are trained in include; fire fighting operations, the different types and use of fire extinguishers, ropes, first-aid, tools and equipment, ladders, hazardous materials, hose and water supply.  The program covers a broad range of training topics in order to give the Explorers a working knowledge of the challenges faced in the fire and emergency medical services. 

The Wadsworth Fire and EMS Explorer Post was started six years ago by Scott Vallant, since that time two of the original Explorers Jason Lorton and Adam Copley have both become regular members of Wadsworth Fire and EMS. 

 The program is run under the administrative leadership of Chief Ralph Copley and Assistant Chief Ron Likley.  Troy Lorton and Ryan Park are currently the Co-Lead Advisors for the program, they are in charge of developing and facilitating trainings, maintaining records, recruiting and the day to day operations of the program, they are assisted by the newest advisor, Heather May.  

            If interested in becoming a member of Wadsworth Fire & Explorers please call

(330)335-2849.