Lafayette Fire Department graduates 12 from Explorer program

The Lafayette Fire Department is graduating 12 from its Explorer Post program. The program, through the Boy Scouts of America, combines classroom learning and hands-on training and firefighter practices. Monday, the program graduated 12 explorers who completed three weeks of training under certified instructors. During those three weeks, organizers say the explorers had a chance to experience first hand what its like to be a firefighter. Those first-hand jobs included station duties, riding on fire trucks to emergencies, and assisting in non-hazard areas on fire scenes. Lafayette Fire Departments says the program is a great recruitment and mentor program for those who want to make a career of firefighting.