NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 16, 1997

CARY’S EXPLORER POST TO RECRUIT

NEW MEMBERS

CARY -- The Town of Cary will be recruiting new members for its Emergency Services Explorer Post, an organization aimed at young people ages 14-20 who are interested in emergency services careers. Post members get hands-on experience working side-by-side with fire, police, and EMS professionals. The First Night information meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 17, at 7:00 p.m. in Town Council Chambers, 316 N. Academy Street.

"The Explorer Post is an excellent opportunity for young people to really understand what it takes to be an emergency services professional," said Cary Police Lt. Chris Hoina, Explorers coordinator. "It’s an exciting program that couples learning with service."

Explorers are trained by Cary emergency personnel through tours, guest speakers, and projects. Training topics include first aid, patrol procedures, and fire safety--the same basic topics provided to basic recruits in all three services. Meetings are held twice a month, with projects scheduled around special events in the community. Past projects have included Cary’s Spring Daze and Lazy Daze festivals at which Explorers served as extra eyes and ears for police, fire, and rescue.

Cary began offering its Emergency Services Explorer Post one year ago, and while Raleigh Police offers a similar program, Cary officials know of no other community offering an Explorer Post that incorporates all three areas of emergency services.

Cary’s Explorer Post is open to residents of Cary, and the cost to participate is $10. Those interested in the program who cannot attend Wednesday’s meeting may call (919) 460-4917 for more information.

PRIMARY CONTACTS: Lt. Chris Hoina, Cary Police, 460-4917

Bill Coleman, Town Manager, 469-4002

Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, 460-4951