The Sayville Fire Department started a Cadet Program a few years ago, after going many years without such a program. This year they joined the Boy Scouts Explorer Program for firefighting and have been steadily increasing members and participation in training and activities.

Teens from Age 14-17 are eligible to join the Sayville Fire Department Explorer Post. Thirteen year-olds can be a Cadet until joining the Explorer’s when they reach age 14. Explorers who complete one year in the program and reach the age of 17 can become a probationary member of the fire department one year earlier than those who are not in the Explorers. The goal of this modern program is not only to teach firematic and community service skills, but to also learn about volunteerism, teamwork, leadership, and life skills.

Sayville Fire Department Chief Mark Beekman has been very supportive of the program. He and several officers and members of the department began their volunteer firefighting career as part of the Sayville Fire Department Junior Program, which had eventually disbanded many years ago. Chief Beekman says, “these kids have become an asset to the department. They are all working hard to learn firefighting and are always around when we need a hand during fire prevention and other department activities.”

The Sayville Fire Department held its Charter Year Awards Dinner for Cadet/Explorer Troop 311 on November 4th. The teens celebrated at Sayville Fire Department Headquarters with their parents, Officers of the Sayville Fire Department and Cadet Advisors.

Timothy “TJ” Chester received the first Explorer of the Year Award for this post. He was given this award because of his leadership, character, firefighting knowledge and participation. TJ comes from a family of Sayville Fire Department firefighters. His father is Ex-Chief Robert Chester and his brother is Lt. Chris Chester. Each Explorer received a certificate commemorating their participation during Sayville’s Charter year.

If anyone is interested in joining the Sayville Fire Department Cadet/Explorer Troop, they can call (631) 589-0189.