Plano Fire Explorers Post 215, a youth volunteer program, has earned a prestigious award from the National Volunteer Fire Council, according to a news release.
Last week, Plano Fire-Rescue held a ceremony at the City Council chambers in honor of Plano Fire Explorers Post 215‘s receipt of the Junior Firefighter Program of the Year Award and Explorer Captain Grace Isakson was also honored as the National Volunteer Fire Council’s Junior Firefighter of the Year.
“Fire service volunteers make a significant impact in their communities every day, and we are excited to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of our 2026 award winners,” said NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch.
According to the release, Isakson is a third-year member and has completed 330 service hours last year, while maintaining an outside job and completing EMT school. Isakson was also part of the first-place team at the 2025 DFW Fire Games, leading the winning team at the Plano Flags of Honor Truck Pull.
Plano Fire Explorers Post 215 is an immersive youth public service leadership program that combines classroom instruction, hands-on emergency response training, physical fitness, leadership development and community service opportunities. The program consists of up to 17 youth Explorers and 12 adult advisors. Those who complete foundational training are assigned to one of Plano’s fire stations to work alongside firefighters to learn about station life, training and emergency response.
At the ceremony, several of the Plano Fire Explorers were also recognized with awards from the Plano Mayor’s Volunteer Service Award program, the Daughters of the American Revolution and Scouting America.
