Annual Fire Explorer Challenge, teens experience firefighter training

GLENDALE (WITI) -- If you thought the yard work was hard, wait until you see how dozens of teens put their skills to the test Saturday, May 31st at the 33rd Annual Safety Day.

They're pulling, climbing, and dragging their way through the challenges. Saturday, at Glendale's Bayshore Town Center, Bayshore Safety Day features the 6th Annual Fire Explorer Challenge.

"It’s the exact same stations that the professional competition goes through, " said Lieutenant Dan Tyk, North Shore Fire Department.

Tyk and the Fire Department are leading more than five dozen 14 to 21-year-olds, representing fire departments from Wisconsin and Illinois, through five different skills tests.

"The guy that actually holds the record for our Combat Challenge in the last six years, Firefighter Allen, is a full-time firefighter, now, with us. He just completed paramedic school, and so it’s a, it’s a huge stepping stone, a great opportunity," said Tyk.

One which is not lost on these ambitious amateurs.

"It’s been so much fun. The guys are really great to work with. The other Explorers are fantastic. Meeting these other kids is great, because you automatically have that connection with them. It’s just, it’s fantastic," said Ana Busalacchi, North Shore explorer.

Ben Beck, North Shore explorer, says he has also gotten the experience, with this challenge, on some of the things that firefighters have to do, for training, and at calls.

Meanwhile, the Safety Day set-up includes an array of information which could help prevent the rescue training from being put into practice.

"Officers are out here. They’re able to just interact with you, and hold a conversation, give you information on safety, and not have to worry about running to the next call." said Tyk.

Instead, on this day, they watch the explorers do all of the running!