There are two things members of Explorer Post 81 can't do, according to their adviser, retired Georgetown firefighter Rick Palardy: "The first is, they can't drive a firetruck. The second is, they can't enter a burning building."

As a program that provides professional training and mentoring to scouts ages 14 to 21, Explorer Post 81 has over the past few years provided the Georgetown Fire Department with nine of its current members, including Deputy Chief Chris Dubois, and Lt. Matt McKay of Erie Four. But until they reach an age when they are old enough to join the firefighting force, the eight current members of Explorer Post 81, including Palardy's son Rob, will have to abide by Boy Scout rules and leave the driving and the dangerous work to regular department members.

Palardy had retired to associate status when Rob joined Explorer Post 81. As a former firefighter, Palardy naturally got involved in what Rob was doing, so the chief simply appointed Palardy to the post's adviser role. Explorers "learn everything a firefighter needs to know," according to Palardy, from operating the truck's pumping gear, to working the jaws of life. They're taught first aid and CPR, and learn to work in a contained breathing apparatus.

As chance would have it, when Rob was home last Christmas break from his freshman year at college, the Longmeadow Apartment fire broke out one morning at 9:30. The Palardys live around the corner from Central Station and one of the captains, along with Rob and one other firefighter, were the first three to reach a fire that eventually summoned crews from most of the neighboring towns. It is not only with a father's pride, but also that of an Explorer Post adviser, that Palardy relates the captain's statement that he'd be happy, any time, to have Rob's help fighting fires.

For the most part, Explorer Post 81 is equipped to provide that help. They have some used turn-out gear donated by the department, but they need helmets and fireproof boots, and especially communications gear. To raise funds, while promoting public safety, members of Explorer Post 81 have started a house-numbering program that kicked off Saturday at Crosby's Supermarket on Central Street.

Explorer Post members will hand out fliers quoting the law that requires all houses to have numbers that can be seen from the street. According to Palardy, it was part of the law that created 911 emergency response capability. The flier also depicts the green backing plate, and stick-on numbers, which are visible in the dark, that the Explorers are selling for $20. The flier explains how and where to mount them on your property, and lists a phone number -- 978-352-2676 -- for anyone interested in purchasing the numbers.