Henrietta, N.Y.- Monroe County fire and EMS explorers got up close to the real deal Saturday.
In Henrietta, more than 50 fire and EMS professionals from various Monroe County fire departments taught students about engine and ladder company operations, fire extinguisher use and several emergency medical techniques.
The program gives the young people some hands-on experience.
"Most of our recruitment and retention comes from our exploring programs, where we can take young men and women in the fire service, get them interested in it and prepare them for when they're 18 or 21 and turn it into a volunteer and a career path for them as well," said Jim Hare, event coordinator.
The explorers program is for students ages 14-20.
