Since 1975, our Explorer Post 475 has been an incredible source of many of our finest members. Associated with the Boy Scouts of America, young men and women aged 14 to 18 train in all aspects and techniques of firefighting under close supervision of certified Post Advisors.
Members also participate in many Department functions such as parades, competitions, sporting events, training sessions, field trips and more. Contact us now if interested in becoming a fully involved member!
Please help us put together a walk down memory lane by sharing some memories from your time in Post 475. We look forward to seeing you all in 2025!
Take Survey! What were you doing in 1975? Gerald Ford was President and gas was $0.57 cents. JAWS hit theaters and Johnny and Roy were on TV every Saturday night. Bill Gates was establishing Microsoft, and Bud Burton, Paul Reed, Jim Benedetto, and Fred Wood were establishing the Shaker Road Loudonville Fire Department Explorer Post 475!
Explorer Post 475 (named after the 1968 American LaFrance 90-foot Snorkel) started with 12 local boys and 4 overworked adults. They had fire coats made of rubber and cotton, rubber boots, and aluminum helmets. They climbed wooden ladders, and their 2.2 Scott air packs were stored in suitcases and used as a last resort. They rode in a Mack Pumper, Dodge Power Wagon Rescue Truck, and a Dodge Mini Pumper. As the community witnessed the camaraderie and friendships that last a lifetime, word of the post spread, and membership grew.
50 years later, JAWS has released three sequels, Microsoft is worth 2.90 trillion dollars, and Explorer Post 475 is still burning bright! As the oldest continuously operating Post in NY state, and one of the oldest in the country, we have seen many changes; thermal imaging cameras, mandatory SCBAs with heads-up displays, Nomex coats, boots made of composite materials, and fiberglass helmets are standard issue. Thanks to those selfless adults and pioneering boys we have educated 800 men and women into volunteer firefighters, carrier firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, police officers, dispatchers, veterans, teachers, leaders, brave people, honest people, strong people, respectful people, and a family that is 50 years strong. And we’re ready for 50 more.
We are also looking for sponsors. Donations are needed to keep this program moving forward for the next 50 years. Funds will be used for training, special activities, uniforms, and more. Please consider this worthy cause and invest in our future first responders!
DONATE to POST 475
