Fire Explorer interrupts family trip for a rescue Middletown youth comes to aid of accident victim BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer Middletown Fire Explorer Joseph Mendoza's mother pins a badge on her son, who was recognized for rescuing an accident victim during a family trip to New York. Joseph Mendoza was enjoying a family trip to New York City when his skills as a Fire Explorer were needed. After seeing an overturned SUV, Mendoza went into action helping to rescue a woman from the vehicle. For his bravery, Mendoza received a special citation and recognition from the Middletown Township Committee at the Nov. 19 meeting. Mendoza, 17, is a member of the Middletown Township Fire Department Fire Explorer Post No. 911, which offers boys and girls a hands-on opportunity to learn about firefighting, teamwork and the value of civic involvement. The program, which is coordinated by the Middletown Fire Department in partnership with the Boy Scouts of America, is open to young men and women who have completed the eighth grade and are 14 or 15 years old. "We would like to give this citation to Joe for putting himself in harm's way and helping people in need," Deputy Fire Chief Vincent Falci said. "In recognition he has brought get pride to the Middletown Township Fire Department and himself." Also honored along with Mendoza was Middletown Fire Explorer adviser Tony Domalewski. Fire Explorers like Mendoza receive training similar to that of a beginning firefighter. Training classes and meetings are held at the Middletown Fire Academy where lessons include how to conduct themselves during a fire, rappel from buildings and administer first aid. They are also taught how to change air bottles, gather tools and roll up hoses. Also receiving recognition at the meeting was Middletown Fire Explorer adviser Tony Domalewski. Domalewski has been working for Fire Explorer Post 911 in Middletown for 10 years as well as serving as a volunteer firefighter with Belford Engine Fire Company where is captain of the Fire Police. "Everywhere I go, there's Tony," Deputy Mayor Pamela Brightbill said. "He's such a great person to have in the community and is always there to help." Once an Explorer has been a member for six months and maintained 60 percent attendance at meetings and drills, he or she can participate in the Ride-Along program. Explorers are assigned to one of the department's 11 fire companies and are issued a firefighter's uniform and can respond to the scene of a fire call during certain hours. "Every step that these kids take are what a volunteer firefighter would take," Domalewski said. "They do everything a firefighter does under OCEA regulations." While they are not permitted to fight fires, the Explorers can assist with tasks such as changing air bottles and rolling up the hoses. "I'm proud to be a member of the Fire Explorers," Mendoza said at the meeting. "One day I want to be a firefighter." Explorers can remain in the program until they are 21. However, many choose to take the adult firefighting courses at the academy when they are 18 so they can fight fires, according to Domalewski. He noted more than 50 Explorers have moved on to become firefighters in the last decade and said when Mendoza turns 18, he can become a member of the Middletown Township Fire Department. "Next year, when Joseph Mendoza turns 18, I hear that he would be accepted as a full fledged member of the department," Domalewski said.