By Rich Brown

rbrown@joplinglobe.com

Explorer programs in Joplin are helping fulfill Tim Gourley's childhood dream and giving other young people like him a head start on life.

In fact, that is why the programs, in conjunction with the Ozark Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America, have as their motto "Learning for Life."

Gourley, 18, echoed sentiments not only from other members of his Fire Department Post 618 recently, but also those of participants in Police Department Explorer Post 164 and Medical Explorer Post 157.

Exploring is a work-site based program for those 14 (having completed the eighth grade) through 20 years old.

"Explorers are on their own, but we do support them," said Brian Karch, Boy Scouts district supervisor for Joplin and a 10-county area in Missouri and Kansas. "We also introduce Explorer programs in schools."

In addition to law enforcement, fire service and the health or medical fields, Explorer posts nationwide can specialize in such other career skills as arts and humanities, aviation, business, communications, engineering, law and government, science, skilled trades and social services.

'I came a long way'

Gourley, who plans to begin at Missouri Southern State University in January and enroll in firefighting and emergency medical technician courses, said that his involvement in the Explorers has helped him on his path to becoming a firefighter.

"This has been kind of like a childhood dream, and it will be my career," he said.

Brandon McKenzie, 17, a junior at Joplin High School, said he has been an Explorer firefighter three years.

"A Joplin fireman told me about the program, and I joined," he said. "I plan on joining the Joplin Fire Department after I graduate (from high school)."

Joe Quirk, 17, who has also been an Explorer for three years, said he is starting his probationary period at the Redings Mill Fire Department.

"I came a long way from when I started," he said. "It is something I have been wanting to do since I was 8."