Fire Dept. Explorer Post Holds Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser Sunday

The Los Angeles County Fire Explorers Post 19 — a group of 35-40 young firefighters in training — will be hosting a pancake breakfast fundraiser Sunday morning in Pomona to support the program that Booster Club President Pete Dominguez said is the most active in Los Angeles County.

The Explorer program has found success under the guidance of station 187 firefighter Roland Dykes, Dominguez said, but the Boosters have been helping the program expand its scope.

"[Dykes's] mission is to prepare the Explorers to get into the fire department or to have them get their education to move on and do something else," Dominguez said.

While the rigors of firefighting might not be for everyone, Dominguez said, the Explorer post aims to teach important life lessons to each of its members.

"It's not for everybody," Dominguez said, "but if you do stay here, we'll perpare you for life and teach you what you need to do to study and get ahead."

Dominguez said that the post had ranks of only four or five members when his son joined nine years ago. The group has since grown to around 40 members from ages 15-21 that meet weekly to spend four hours learning firefighting and emergency medical technician skills, Dominguez said.

Over 15 of those members are from Diamond Bar, Dominguez said.

And while the primary purpose of the Sunday morning fundraiser is to support the purchase of uniforms, equipment, and activities for the Explorer post, Dominguez said it is also a time for teaching.

"We give them some lessons on how to cook, serve, and clean and things like that," Dominguez said.

The fundraiser runs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Fire Station 187 — located at 3325 Temple Avenue in Pomona. The Explorers will be offering a breakfast of two pancakes, bacon, sausage, hash browns, eggs and a drink for $6 a plate.

"It's pretty good," Dominguez said.