Lucas Estep, a 13-year-old Boy Scout working on earning his Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge stopped by Station 2 at U.S. Army Garrison Yuma Proving Ground on April 11, 2025.

Lucas Estep, a 13-year-old Boy Scout working on earning his Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge stopped by Station 2 at U.S. Army Garrison Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) on April 11, 2025 to learn the information necessary for his badge.

Boy Scout Lucas Estep, took a tour of the U.S. Army Garrison Yuma Proving Ground dispatch center. An emergency dispatcher talked about handling 911 calls and the importance of gathering the right information

Estep, took a tour of the station, followed by a drive in the fire truck to the YPG dispatch center. An emergency dispatcher talked about handling 911 calls and the importance of gathering the right information. Learning proper actions needed to perform before, during, and after an emergency are key elements in obtaining this merit badge.

U.S. Army Garrison Yuma Proving Ground firefighters created a simulated situation where a palm tree and surrounding grass caught fire on Cox Field on April 11, 2025. Boy Scout Lucas Estep jumped into action with the help of firefighters.

YPG firefighters created a simulated situation where a palm tree and surrounding grass caught fire on Cox Field. Estep had to jump into action and call dispatch to report the emergency and then help respond to the emergency. With the help of firefighters, he aided in deploying a hose to spray water and extinguished the simulated fire. Estep enjoyed the visit and met all his merit badge goals. (Photos and information courtesy of the YPG Fire Department)