At a time when emergency service volunteers are in a 30-year decline, Byron-Bergen High School students are changing the statistics.
Izzy Best, GJ Donofrio, Lea Donofrio, Logan Fregoe, Rayden Robinson, Emma Starowitz, James (JC) Starowitz, and Rugar Starowitz are full-time high school students. In addition to participating in sports, advanced placement classes, student government, and part-time jobs, they also volunteer with the Bergen Fire Department in its Explorers program.
“The purpose of the Explorers program is to start educating teenagers about the fire service and EMS, hoping to inspire the next generation of first responders,” said Julie Donofrio, Explorer Program Coordinator and EMT with the Bergen Fire Department. “Our current group of kids is interested in both the fire side and the EMT side of things, which is awesome, because they’re learning how firefighting and EMT work as a team.”
“My parents are part of the fire department and have been for a while, so it’s kind of in my family,” said Lea Donofrio. “I’m interested in working in EMS and rescue. I want to go into the Coast Guard and police afterwards. I know people who did Explorers in the past, and once they obtained their EMT at age 17, they received a lot more benefits with their jobs and colleges, so I think it’ll set me apart.”
Students can earn experience from a lot of places, so why pick the Explorers? “It’s a career path for a lot of kids,” said Julie. “These kids have in one way or another grown up in the fire service, and it just seems natural. This is just what they know.” Something that makes this group of students stand out is that all of them are second- or third-generation firefighters or EMS. Julie herself has the pleasure of being able to teach and train her two children, GJ and Lea.
“GJ actually wasn’t sure at all if he wanted to join, but both of my kids had been going to the hall and participating since they were little, so they were our guinea pigs,” said Julie with a laugh. “Now that they realize it’s kind of fun, they enjoy learning about the service and life skills.”
The skills that students learn translate not only to the medical world but to the “real world.” They learn how to perform CPR, administer first aid, and use the AED machine, which are all life skills. They also volunteer in the community by bringing cookies to Bergen Meadows during the holidays, socializing with residents and checking their blood pressure rates. “Students are interacting with the community, practicing skills, and spreading the word about the program,” said Julie.
Julie said one of the best parts is seeing how engaged and motivated students are. She said that the district is instrumental in providing support and rustling up interest in the program. She often receives texts from parents, wondering when the next meeting is.
“The Explorers program is a great opportunity for our kids,” said Julie. “The program has given kids first-hand experience in working with the Bergen Fire Department. These students really go above and beyond, and they are committed to giving back to our community. We are lucky to have this program in our school district.”
If anyone – student or community member – is interested in joining the Explorers or volunteering with the department, Julie strongly encourages them to talk to one of the students currently involved or head down to the Bergen Fire Department for more information.
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