The Chili Fire Department is excited to announce the transition of its youth program, formerly known as Explorer Post #546, into a new, fully independent Chili Fire Department youth program. For over 50 years, Explorer Post #546 has provided high-school aged teens the opportunity to volunteer and learn about the fire service, making a lasting impact on our community. We are proud to carry that legacy forward as we enter this next chapter of youth development.
Our newly structured youth programs will now be entirely operated and managed by the Chili Fire Department, allowing us to provide a more comprehensive and mission-focused experience for young participants:
Junior Members (Ages 13–15)
Juniors will be introduced to the fire service through structured training, educational activities, and supervised hands-on experiences. This program emphasizes foundational skills, teamwork, and safety awareness, preparing participants for future active involvement.
Restricted Active Members (Ages 16–17)
Participants in this program will receive advanced training and have opportunities to engage in designated department activities under clearly defined age-appropriate guidelines. This prepares teens for full active membership once they reach 18.
By transitioning to programs fully managed by the Chili Fire Department, we are building on the strong foundation of Post 546 while expanding opportunities for youth to grow, train, and contribute to the community. Independence allows us to tailor training standards, operational expectations, and development pathways to better prepare the next generation of firefighters.
We look forward to welcoming young people into these programs and continuing to positively impact our community through youth engagement, mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences.