On a cold evening, it was bright inside The Evanston Fire Department Headquarters on Lake Street at the Fire Explorer Program open house, and warm enough for hellos, high fives and fist bumps.
There, Megan Kamarchevakul, an Evanston firefighter and paramedic welcomed newcomers and families.
Her colleagues also answered questions about the Evanston Fire and Life Safety Services Explorer Post 911 program for young adults aged 14 to 20 years.
“The goal is to provide the youth of the city of Evanston hands-on experience in career opportunities with the fire service,” said Kamarchevakul.
The Explorer Post 911 also helps to interest and recruit young people who might join Evanston’s force later as first responders.
“It’s a really great program,” she said.
The Fire Explorer program has more than a dozen members and is looking for more with events like the Jan. 19 packed open house.
“I’m joining because I will experience new things, plus I’m considering becoming a police officer,” said Ulaiassi Logan, 14, an Evanston Township High School freshman.
Ulaiassi’s father, Gilo Kwesi Logan, accompanied his son.
“I’m a fifth generation Evanstonian,” said Logan. He said his father, Bill Logan, was Evanston’s chief of police in the mid 1980s.
“I just think as a citizen, it’s important to support programs like this,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity and there’s a lot to learn.”
Registrants acquire skills such as emergency protocols and how to handle genuine fire and EMS equipment.
Karie Angell Luc is a freelance photographer and reporter for Pioneer Press.
