913-895-8400

The Explorers Program is an opportunity for the Fire Department and the city to invest in the future by teaching boys and girls, ages 14-19, the ins and outs of fire service.

To be eligible, students must:

• Attend school and have completed at least eighth-grade;
• Be in good standing at school and in the community.

As an Explorer, cadets participate in drills and sessions designed to:

• Highlight job awareness
• Develop career-building skills,
• Teach life-skills,
• Promote citizenship,
• Facilitate character development, and
• Encourage leadership while having fun in a safe and supportive environment.

The OPFD Explorers meet twice a month, generally every other Tuesday, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Fire Training Center, 12401 Hemlock.

• Occasionally, cadets will meet at other times for field trips, community service projects, fire station visits and/or to spend time learning other aspects of the fire service.
• Meetings are led by Explorer Post Advisors, who are shift and staff members of the Overland Park Fire Department. Adults supervise all training.

The focus of the program is to not only provide exposure to the many facets of firefighting, but also to help young people mature and prepare themselves to become responsible, professional adults.