(August 23, 2007) — GATES — Will Gibson and Brian Domenick stood over a sizzling grill, flipping burgers while the rising smoke clouded their vision. While briefly uncomfortable, the two 16-year-olds still laughed with Kiwanis Club members and talked with senior citizens at St. Jude Apartments in Gates.

The scene showcased the Gates Explorer Program No. 272 back in full swing, the re-emergence of an organization that dealt with a devastating public image problem two months ago after the arrests of two adults involved with the program. Wednesday's picnic, where food was cooked and served to St. Jude residents, was the first official event since reinstatement on July 1.

"The kids were looking forward to getting back together before the summer ended and they've always enjoyed this event," said Dave Hancock, Gates Explorer adviser. "We've got to get started again and let people know the Explorer program is up and running."

Firefighters Jason Stone and Timothy S. Curran, both of Gates, were arrested June 4 on charges of inappropriate conduct involving two 16-year-old girls in the fire department's Explorer program. Some of the incidents occurred at the Gates Chili Fire Station and temporarily halted the program.

"We acknowledge that mistakes were made by two individuals, but we will not let anyone ruin this strong program," said Bill Gillette, Gates fire commissioner. "It's just unfortunate that the kids had to suffer when the program was suspended for a short time, but now we are back and going to be bigger than ever."

Explorers is the Boy Scouts of America's youth development program for young men and women, from 14-year-olds who have completed eighth grade through 20-year-olds. Eight of the 14 Gates Explorers attended the event, which has taken place for the past five years.

The Gates Fire Department placed new safeguards in its Explorer program, including a "two-deep" leadership initiative in which two adults, age 21 and older, must be present during sanctioned and non-sanctioned activities. A committee could soon adopt a formal policy in which parents list whether an Explorer adviser or firefighter can take their child home after an event.

"We trust the Explorer Scouts program and are happy to be part of their first official event since coming back," said Anthony Cowart, 50, of Rochester, president of the Southwest Kiwanis Club.

"Seniors don't often have many people to talk with, so it was nice that they interacted with the Explorers," Cowart said.

ELAMOTHE@DemocratandChronicle.com

Pictured left to right:  Explorer Capt. Will Gibson, Advisor Dave Hancock, Kiwanis Pres. Anthony Cowart