Nuvision Hero: Firefighter/Paramedic Jayson Russell

For Jayson Russell, the Anchorage Fire Explorers program isn’t just something he supports—it’s where his own career began. He joined the program as a teenager, found mentors who shaped his path, and years later came back to return the favor.

“I was in the Explorers back in 2004, 2005, and 2006,” he said. “My advisors were full-time firefighters who volunteered their time to train and mentor us. They showed me how to work hard and what it meant to serve the community.”

From Explorer to Firefighter to Board Member

The Anchorage Fire Explorers started in 1982 as part of the Boy Scouts of America’s Exploring program. It gives high-school students hands-on experience in different professions—in this case, firefighting. Volunteer firefighters act as advisors, teaching skills, ethics, and leadership while preparing youth for public-service careers.

After joining the Anchorage Fire Department, Jayson returned as an advisor and later led the program for several years. Today he serves on its board of directors. Under his leadership, the group grew rapidly—doubling from 17 to 35 participants in one year, creating a social-media presence, and gaining nonprofit status.

“That was a turning point,” Jayson explained. “When we became a nonprofit, we could finally fundraise and grow. Kaladi Brothers Coffee gave us $10,000 right after that, and for the first time we could afford uniforms and equipment without paying out of pocket.”

Building Leadership by Letting Youth Lead

Jayson believes the best way to teach leadership is to hand it over. The Explorers now use a formal rank structure—Explorer Fire Chief, battalion chiefs, captains—and a promotional process that challenges members to think critically.

“During interviews we ask, ‘If you were in charge tomorrow, what would you change and why?’ ” he said. One student proposed creating a color guard for the program. Jayson gave him a budget and the responsibility to launch it. “He took full ownership—found uniforms, recruited a team, and made it happen,” he said. “That’s how they learn.”

Service as Part of the Job

When the program became a nonprofit, the team also introduced a 25-hour annual community-service requirement. “It’s about 1,000 hours of service every year,” Jayson said. “It teaches them that being part of the community is part of being a firefighter.”

Explorers regularly volunteer at the Fish Pantry of Anchorage, help with Shop with a Cop, Guns and Hoses, and Coats for Kids, and even shovel snow from fire hydrants in winter so crews can work faster in emergencies. “It’s simple, but it matters,” he said.

A Pipeline That Keeps Young Talent in Alaska

Many former Explorers continue their training through college-level firefighting programs in Fairbanks before joining departments around the state. “There are more than 80 former Explorers in the Anchorage Fire Department right now,” Jayson said. “Some are captains, some are chiefs. It’s proof the program works.”

Finding Purpose Through Mentorship

Jayson’s drive to mentor others began in high school through the JROTC program at Service High. He joined because his older brother was in it, but it quickly became more than that. “I didn’t have a dad growing up, so I was looking for guidance,” he said. “Those instructors taught me responsibility and service.”

That experience eventually led him back to the Explorers and inspired him to pursue higher education. He’ll complete his bachelor’s degree this December and begin a master’s in organizational leadership immediately after.

Giving Back in Three Ways

When asked what he’d tell others who want to help their community, Jayson’s answer was practical: “There’s the three T’s—time, tithe, or talent. If you don’t have one, you can give another. Everyone has something to offer.”

For him, that offering is time—time spent teaching, mentoring, and shaping the next generation of firefighters who will one day stand where he does now.

As part of our Nuvision Heroes series honoring National First Responders Day, we’re proud to share the stories of the men and women who protect, serve, and strengthen the communities we call home.