Spaghetti dinner raises funds for Explorer youth

By Anne Eickstadt

ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTO Belvidere Republican
The North Boone Explorers, and a few instructors and supporters, take a short break from preparing spaghetti for the community.

Editor

On Saturday, Feb. 23, the North Boone Fire District 3 and Explorer Post 2100 served an All-you-can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner at the Poplar Grove Fire Dept. to raise money for the program.

“The Explorer program was created to give high school age kids the opportunity to train as firefighters before they are eligible to become firefighters,” said Poplar Grove Fire Dept. Captain Tim Davis. “It is intended to let them see if firefighting is a field that they would be happy in.

“We train them the same way as we train our firefighters so they can have realistic experience. The Explorers have their own rank structure just as the fire department does.

“The reason for this spaghetti dinner is to support more training and equipment for the Explorers. This program supports all of the Boone County rural fire departments.”

When asked how he had come to join the firefighter Explorer program, Explorer Captain Joe Prakop said, “During my freshman year, District 2 firefighters came out to do a demonstration on burning. They covered everything from brush fires to kitchen fires and how to safely put them out. Afterwards, Chief Bartel came to talk to the class about the Explorer program. A friend of mine in the program had also told me about it and said, ‘I love it.’

“You do so much in the program from training to community events. We meet so many wonderful people and make friends.”

“I’ve always looked up to firemen,” said Explorer Captain Tyler Losh. “I’ve always thought it would be cool to be a fireman.

“During my freshman year of high school, I contacted a friend of mine whose dad is a fireman and asked him to ask his dad for more information about the Explorer program. I joined. I really enjoy it. It teaches me everything from how to be a better individual – not only in Explorers, but…

For complete article, pick up the Feb. 28 Belvidere Republican.