Excerpts from wifr.com:
A new program in Boone County was introduced to build a bright future for young people who want to become firefighters.
North Boone Fire Protection District #3 already has a program for kids in high school called Explorer Post #2100. This teaches them about fire services and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and prepares students for a career in those fields if they choose to pursue one.
The program introduced Tuesday evening is for kids younger than the high school age. Chief E.J. Dilonardo says North Boone Fire District #3 will work with the schools to approach students when they are in middle school.
This approach to encouraging kids to work for their community as firefighters or in EMS is embraced and supported by the International Association of Firefighters.