By Gayle Perez
The Pueblo Chieftain

PUEBLO, Colo. — Michael Ragulsky has fire burning in his blood.

The grandson of former Pueblo Fire Chief Frank Cash, and Frank Ragulsky, a former firefighter, the younger Ragulsky grew up a firehouse rat.

"Both of my grandfathers were firemen and I spent a lot of time as a kid around the firehouses. I knew since I was a little boy that I wanted to be fireman," said Ragulsky, now 21.

Ragulsky has continued to pursue that dream as a member of the Pueblo Fire Department's Explorer program.

"The Explorer's program has been very beneficial to me. It's taught me leadership and organizational skills; taught me to be more confident and has provided me with invaluable training," said Ragulsky, who graduated from South High School in 2006.

The Explorers program, started in 2004, is modeled after the national Learning for Life career education program. That program allows for students who are 14 (and completed the eighth grade) through 20 to learn more about career opportunities.

The Pueblo program is directed by firefighters Chris Obert and Mark Pickerel.

Ragulsky said he joined the Explorers program in 2005 and has worked his way up to becoming chief.

As an Explorer chief, Ragulsky said the students meet twice a month. One session consists of classroom instruction and the other is a hands-on session at either the fire station or the fire department's training site.

He said the training he's gained has been a valuable asset as he pursues a fire science degree at Pikes Peak Community College.

"I've learned everything from the personal protection equipment, ventilation and vehicle extraction, to pump operation and water safety," he said.

Ragulsky said a highlight of the program has been participating in the "Ride Academy," which allows him to do ride-alongs with local fire crews.

"Since safety is the number one priority, we mainly just observe," he said. "But we are allowed to help based on our level of training."

Ragulsky said in the year that he has been in the academy, he has assisted with performing CPR on an individual with a medical condition.

"It's been a great learning experience," he said. "The Explorer program has furthered my desire to become a firefighter with the Pueblo Fire Department."

Ragulsky said he encourages all students to consider the Explorers program, even if they aren't seeking to go into firefighting.

"Even if you're not interested in being a firefighter I'd say to give it a try because it'll teach you skills that can help you in any job you do."

The Fire Department will begin a new class of Explorers in January.

The post will host a "First-Nighter" meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 8, at the Hose Co. No. 3 Fire Museum, 116 Broadway.

Interested students and their parents are required to attend the meeting. The cost to be a member is $30, which covers the cost of insurance for one year. There also is $5 monthly dues.

Copyright 2007 The Pueblo Chieftain 
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