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The Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department's Explorer Post 1666 earned a first place award in "CPR and Patient Movement" and a second place award in "Patient Assessment and Spinal Immobilization" at The National Convention for Fire/Emergency Services Explorers.
Nine Ashburn Explorers competed against 500 Explorers from across the country at the bi-annual competition held June 29-July 3 at The National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Md. A cooperative effort between the International Association of Fire Chiefs and various federal, state and local fire and rescue departments, the convention includes training and seminars on topics ranging from terrorism response to basic firefighting skills in addition to individual and team competitions.
The following Explorers were honored at the competition: Chris Buffone, Hannah Herrera, Hector Rodriguez, Lindsey Fuller, Drew Doirone, Phillip Morisi, Patrick Cole, Kevin Yenowine and Evan Goodwin. They were accompanied by adult advisors Max Triola, Barbara Murphy and Assistant Rescue Chief Stan Murphy.
The Ashburn Explorer program teaches CPR, firefighting and lifesaving emergency medical skills to young men and women ages 14 to 21.
While they do not respond on actual emergency calls, Explorers learn valuable lessons in leadership and community service from volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians. Many become junior members of the Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department at age 16 and full members upon turning age 18.