Explorers / Junior Firefighters

The explorer or junior fire section of the department is comprised of a handful of dedicated and energetic youth from our community. The "juniors," as they are called, assist with various aspects of keeping the fire division running smoothly. These youth are between the ages of 14 and 18 years of age and live within the fire district served by the Augusta Department of Public Safety (ADPS).

The juniors are part of a Boy Scouts of America program designed for exposing youth to real life work environments. The juniors attend fire training with regular members of the department and assist around the station with maintenance, apparatus upkeep, and other tasks. In addition, they are allowed to respond to fire scenes with the regular firefighters and Public Safety Officers and help with shuttling equipment and keeping the scene moving. While the group is not allowed to enter burning buildings or put in other positions of great danger, they do assist with smaller fires such as brush piles and trash fires to gain experience.

Many of the full-time commissioned Public Safety Officers and staff started their careers on the junior fire section and waded through the various ranks. These include Major Ray Marbut, the commander of the Fire Division; Former High School Resource Officer Andy Hall; Dispatcher Lance Hilton, and several volunteer firefighters.

Volunteer
To inquire about becoming a junior firefighter, contact Lieutenant Derek Highbarger.