11/02/2024
From Embers to Excellence- Fire Explorer to Fire Fighter
1. Jason “Kalepa” Torres, Fire Captain, Fire Communications Center Alpha shift, currently assisting with HFD Administrative Services, 28 years service.
2. I was involved with the Fire Explorers for eight years, from 1991 to 1998. I joined in the fall of 1991 while in the JROTC program at Kailua High School, where we did a lot of rappelling and rope work. During a class project, a firefighter spoke about his career and mentioned the Fire Explorer program at Station 31, Kalihi Kai. A few friends and I joined under the guidance of Senior Explorer Lance Aimoto and Captain Anthony Wong from Rescue 2. At that time, the program focused on rescue techniques and rappelling—a perfect fit, as I initially joined not to become a firefighter but to expand my skills in rappelling.
• 1992-1996 – Assisted leadership with monthly meetings and mentoring the younger Explorers
• 1996 Joined the HFD
• 1996-1998 – Explorer Program lead holding monthly meetings at Kāneʻohe where I was assigned.
3. I had the opportunity to learn practical firefighting skills that greatly helped me through recruit training. However, the most valuable lesson was understanding the culture and traditions of the fire department. Although I had played many team sports, I found that firefighters were more than just a team; they were a brotherhood and sisterhood—a family deeply rooted in pride and dedication to working together to get the job done.
4. I have many memories from my time as an Explorer. I participated in events like the annual Makahiki Festival at the Neal Blaisdell Center, where I rappelled off Snorkel 9, and contributed to community service events such as Fill-The-Boot. I also had the opportunity to ride along to real emergencies, responding to medical calls, brush fires, rubbish fires, and even a few structure fires. While I have many memorable experiences, the most unforgettable moment of my Explorer career came in 1992, before the days of ride-alongs. I vividly remember a monthly meeting at the Pawaa Fire Station. During our training, the station received a tone-out for a structure fire. I watched as all the firefighters and the two senior Explorers, Lance and Richard, ran to the trucks, quickly donned their turnout gear, and jumped on the trucks as the Engine and Ladder responded out of the station. In that moment, I knew I wanted to be a firefighter—I wanted to help people.
5. The fire service is a physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding career, but it’s incredibly rewarding if you’re driven to help others. You’ll be there for people in their most vulnerable moments, offering assistance when they have nowhere else to turn.
The Fire Explorer Program provides valuable insight into firefighting, teaching not only the basic skills but also the culture and intangible lessons of the fire service. It allows you to give back to the community through service projects and events.
If becoming a firefighter is your dream, stay committed to the Fire Explorer Program. With hard work, dedication, and the path this program provides, your dream can become a reality.
Pride, Service, Dedication. Good luck!
