Candidates for the position of Fire Explorer must be age 14 (with completion of the eighth grade) to their 21^st birthday.

The number of openings is limited:

All candidates are required to follow the selection procedures below:

• Summit a written Resume and Essay about why you would like to join the post.
• Be interviewed by the Post Review Committee to ascertain suitability for and interest in the Exploring Program.
• Attend four consecutive months of meetings and conduct 24 hours of community service prior to completing the application and the approval process. 
• Complete Learning for Life (LFL) application and submit it to the Post Advisor (the Post Advisor will forward to LFL).
• Have no serious arrests or convictions.
• Must maintain safe grooming standards.
• While attending high school, the Explorer must maintain an overall grade point average of at least 2.0 (C).

Mdewakanton Fire Exploring program is an official department function. It is the intent of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, in conjunction with the Learning For Life, to offer young adults real life experiences, training, and exposure to the career opportunities in the fire and EMS services. Mdewakanton Fire Department provides fire suppression, emergency rescue, and fire prevention service. Fire Exploring gives young people valuable insight into the fire fighting profession. This insight will allow the individual to decide whether or not he or she desires to pursue a greater role in the emergency services. By participating in the Fire Exploring Program, the individual will gain personal confidence, learn to use various tools, develop mechanical skills and aptitude, and gain a greater awareness of personal and fire satiety. Post activities are planned around the five emphasis areas:

Career, Character, Service, Life Skills, and Leadership Experience.

Examples of non-hazardous activities to familiarize Explorers with the nature and complexities of the fire service include, but are not limited to the following: Pre-fire planning, hydrant maintenance program, assist with crowd and traffic control at Department functions, participate in information programs given to the public, assist station personnel with record keeping, vehicle and station maintenance, participate as observers in ride-along program.

Explorers are to be assigned to the permitted activities on the basis of their training, ability, and experience. It is the Post Advisor's responsibility to assign an Explorer only to those duties for which he/she is prepared. Other activities include formal drills held at the station, field trips, and training academy sessions.

Mdewakanton Fire Explorer Post 9100

Mission Statement: The MdewakantonFire Department Explorer Post 9100 was founded to make a positive lasting impact on the firefighters and emergency medical providers of tomorrow by giving them the ability to achieve their highest potential by installing within them the discipline, respect, honor, excellence and higher level education of the fire service that will leave an overall everlasting impression on our community today and in the future.

"OUR BEST TODAY FOR A BETTER TOMORROW"

We will implement this mission by providing opportunities for our young people to grow and learn in a balanced program.
 

This program will provide the necessary skills such as: physical and mental fitness, positive social interaction, direction toward making ethical choices, developing leadership skills, and boosting self confidence.

Our goals can be reached with the help and support of our local communities and the participation of parents, advisors, and other adult leaders.

It is our responsibility to ensure that all activities and trainings are conducted within "safe guidelines and requirements," while still providing the capacity to enjoy life, have fun, and learn through exploring. Through our leadership and the youth's desire to explore, we will strive to uphold the explorer post motto.

“With hard work and dedication we will become tomorrow’s heroes.”