11/17/2025
Thank you, Virginia Association of First Responders , for highlighting the Rescue 3 Jr. Explorer Program and the incredible young people who give this mission its heart. We are truly grateful for the recognition and support.
3 years ago we seen a dire need not only in our department and community, but across the US. Through many public events we were always asked: " do you guys do anything with juniors?" We began our research and started building what is today the Rescue 3 Jr. Explorer Program.
From the beginning, we faced the same challenges seen across the country: a steady decline in volunteer and career first responders, burnout in departments, hostility, and shifting interests among today’s youth. We also faced hesitation—even disagreement—from within the first responder community about whether junior members still had a place in today’s fire and EMS environment, with some believing traditional recruitment methods were enough, even outcasting the junior group from the original department.
Through the hurdles and setbacks, we have never gave up.
As Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.”
And that is exactly the approach we chose to take.
Today’s youth navigate a world filled with social media pressure, competing activities, and constantly shifting priorities. Without early engagement, guidance, and real purpose, the window of opportunity to bring them into the first responder world can close long before they ever develop interest.
So we chose a different path.
Instead of relying on old recruitment habits, we focused on mentorship, public outreach, hands-on involvement, empowerment, and building genuine connections. We created a program where young people feel included, challenged, and supported—where they gain life skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging. And our juniors prove every day that when you give youth a real chance and trust them with responsibility, they rise far beyond expectations.
This spotlight is more than recognition—it is proof that the decline in first responders can be reversed. It shows that when we adapt to the times and meet youth where they are, we unlock unmatched passion, commitment, and potential.
We also want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the parents and families who stand beside us. Your trust, support, and participation are the foundation of this program. We are proud to foster a true family atmosphere—one where members and their families share in activities, training events, and community outreach together. That unity strengthens our mission and keeps our program thriving.
And this is only the beginning.
Our long-term goal is to spread this same enthusiasm, energy, and forward-thinking approach to as many departments as possible. If our model can inspire even one more agency to invest in its youth—to give them purpose, opportunity, and a reason to believe in the first responder world—then we take another step toward reshaping the future of emergency services across our region and beyond.
To our senior members of Rescue 3, thank you for believing in this mission and accepting it with arms wide open. The support and dedication the our community and our youth is unparalleled. To our juniors, thank you for proving what’s possible.
And to every department watching: there is opportunity. When we give our youth a chance, they give us hope for a stronger, more resilient future.
As a 20 year lifetime volunteer, who started as a Junior myself, it brings me joy to know these kids will continue a legacy and reshape the future for us all. I'm proud of them!
Scott Foster
Jr. Advisor
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