by Mike Matzinger
Congratulations to alum Ed Sutton, Advisor of Mercy Flights Explorer Post 131 in Medford, Oregon, on receiving the Oregon Silver Sparky Award, one of the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s highest honors for outstanding achievement in public safety education.
For nearly 30 years, Ed has helped introduce young people to careers in emergency medical services through Scouting America’s Exploring program. Established in 1995, Mercy Flights Explorer Post 131 provides hands-on experiences, mentorship, and real-world exposure to emergency services careers, including ambulance ride-alongs and specialized training opportunities.
Exploring is one of Scouting America’s effective membership pathways because it connects youth with career interests while building leadership, confidence, and life skills. Programs like Post 131 demonstrate how Scouting can engage older youth by providing meaningful experiences that help them discover their future.
Ed’s dedication has impacted countless young people, many of whom have gone on to careers in emergency services. Great volunteers like Ed do more than serve youth. They inspire the next generation of leaders and professionals.
Thank you, Ed, for your decades of service and for showing the life-changing impact of Scouting America’s Exploring program.