On Saturday, October 17, 2026, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD) hosted its annual Fire Explorer Program Muster at the Cecil R. Gehr Training Center at LACoFD Headquarters in unincorporated East Los Angeles.
Over 200 Explorers competed by post demonstrating their firefighting skills, physical agility, and teamwork as they competed to be the fastest and most efficient team in six events: Make and Break, Bunk and Roll, Bucket Brigade, Lines Above Ground, Motorized Hose Lay, and Hose Drag. Explorer advisors, family and friends attended the Muster to cheer the teams on.
As teams gave the competition their best shot, one post had the quickest time of the 12 Explorer Posts. Post 150 from Fire Station 150 in Santa Clarita took home this year’s Explorer Post of the Year trophy for the second year in a row.
“As a former LACoFD Explorer, I am a product of the dedication, discipline, and leadership it takes to succeed in the program and become a LACoFD firefighter,” said Battalion Chief Kelvin Patterson. “Today, as the Explorer Muster Coordinator, I’m grateful to give back to our current explorers and instill the same values I gained for their success.”
Through mentorship and hands-on training from dedicated firefighters, the LACoFD Explorer Program introduces individuals ages 15 to 20 to the fire service while encouraging community service and civic engagement. For additional information on the Explorer Program, please click here.
