WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Over the last few years, fire departments across the nation have been facing staffing shortages, and in 2020 these numbers were at the lowest in nearly three decades, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

The Winston-Salem Fire Department has a new creative way of introducing young people into the fire service.

The Fire Explore Program is a partnership between the fire department and the Boy Scouts of America. You don’t have to be a Boy Scout to join the program. It gives a firsthand look at what being a firefighter is all about.

“And if we can start them young, just like this through the explorer program, teach them about our department, let them meet our community, let them build relationships with the firefighter doers and officers of our organization and let them work hard. And they may have a career here in the Winston-Salem Fire Department or a surrounding organization,” WSFD Battalion Chief Joe Ramsey said.

It’s a program about education and experience for people ages 14 to 21. They’re able to do ride-alongs to fire calls, working 12- or 24-hour shifts alongside the firefighters.

“They can’t go into house fires. They can’t operate the the extrication tools and provide care. But, they get to ride along with the units here in Winston-Salem. And it’s a great opportunity for them to see if this is a career that they would like to pursue,” Ramsey said.

If you are interested in joining the Fire Explore Program, contact the Winston-Salem Fire Department Fire and Life Safety Educator.

If you’re interested in joining the Winston-Salem Fire Department click here.