|
|
|
CFD Explorer Program (Post #244)
|
|
Join the Explorer Program and you too could 'break-in' a helmet!
|
|
INTRODUCTION
The Charlotte Fire Department Explorer Post was developed in 1982 with a primary purpose of providing fire service career awareness to young men and women. This is presently being accomplished through a program that utilitzes classroom lectures, practical applications, and opportunities to ride-along with fire crews. Our program seeks to instill in each explorer member the importance of obtaining a college education, being a responsible citizen, and most of all striving to be all that you can possibly be.
|
|
Team Building
 |
|
OBJECTIVES
The Charlotte Fire Department Explorer Post was developed in 1982 to improve relations between Charlotte Firefighters and the youths within the community who are interested in the fire service. The CFD Explorer Scout Program is designed to educate about the various opportunities, responsibilities and objectives of the Charlotte Fire Department and the fire service in general.
These goals and objectives are accomplished through classroom training, guest lectures, ride-along experiences, and fire ground simulations, as well as participating in volunteer and community activities.
CFD Fire Explorers receive training and instruction on the various skills required within the fire service. All CFD Explorers are given the opportunity, and are encouraged, to pursue a college education and career within the fire service.
|
RULES AND REGULATIONS
1) Membership (back to top)
a) Individuals wishing to join the Charlotte Fire Department Explorer Post #244 must submit an Explorer Post application for membership which will be reviewed for approval the post officers and advisors.
b) Only individuals between the ages of 14 and 20 are eligible to become members of the post.
c) Upon acceptance each Fire Explorer must pay a registration fee for liability insurance coverage by the Boy Scouts of America.
d) The CFD Explorer Post #244 does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, religion, gender or national origin.
2) Explorer Post Meetings & Training (back to top)
a) Post #244 meetings are conducted two times a month. These are in addition to special programs in which the post participates.
b) Meetings are held twice a month at the Charlotte Fire Department Training Academy. The meeting times are to be determined by the post officers.
|
Vehicle Extrication
|
3) School Performance (back to top)
a) All explorers must maintain at least a C average in school. Failure to do so may result in actions by the Disciplinary Committee. In the event that an Explorer is lacking the skills necessary to maintain a C average, the Explorer may request tutoring from the Fire Department. Firefighters may be available to tutor students in various subjects at no charge.
b) All explorers who remain active within the post will receive ½ credits toward high school graduation at the end of each school year. Active participation is considered 70% attendance at all Explorer functions.
|
|
4) Uniforms (back to top)
a) Explorers who have been involved in the Post for a period of three months and successfully completed the written test for the rank of Fire Explorer will receive an Explorer uniform.
|
5) Ride Along Procedures (back to top)
a) The Fire Explorer-Ride Along program was developed to provide an opportunity for Explorers to acquire fire protection experience. Qualified Explorers may ride with fire companies during routine and emergency situations. In order to participate, the Explorer must meet the following qualifications:
(1) Be at least 14 year old.
(2) Be currently registered as a CFD explorer through the Boy Scouts of America.
(3) Have all necessary Explorer documents signed by parents or legal guardians.
b) Certified Ride-Along Explorers are limited to a certain number of times per month they are permitted to ride on apparatus during the school year.
c) UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE EXPLORERS ALLOWED TO ENTER A BURNING STRUCTURE PRIOR TO THE CONTROL TIME! Once the company officer feels the emergency scene is safe, he/she may allow an Explorer to enter and assist with clean up or salvage and overhaul. At no time shall an explorer be left unsupervised. This may be either by the company officer or his designee. (NOTE: If an Explorer is conducting overhaul, he/she must be in full protective gear, including SCBA).
|
Airport Training
|
SUMMARY (back to top)
The basic mission of all members will be a basic understanding of the operating procedures of the Charlotte Fire Department. While much of the knowledge gained by the Explorers is received through training and attending meetings, nothing can replace the valuable information experienced while riding at the fire stations. However, it is critical to note that the Ride-Along Program is an earned privilege and not a right. To ensure that this privilege continues. Explorers must follow all of the rules and regulations.
Below are a few basic thoughts that may make this process, as well as life in general, easier and more enjoyable.
-
Get your education first and foremost. You have the rest of you life to ride fire trucks!
-
If you don't know, ASK! (Remember there are no stupid questions)
-
If you do know, then don't be a wise guy. Just give a polite answer.
-
If there is any doubt about whether you are breaking a rule and may get in trouble, then you probably are. Save yourself the grief, don't do it.
-
Always be polite; say please and thank you. Respect the firefighter, they have earned it.
-
Never stop learning; your greatest strengths are your passport to career fulfillment.
-
Never be without a personal and professional goal!
Remember: You may experience things in this profession that may effect your emotions or may be stressful. Don't be afraid to call your Advisors or talk to the firefighters at the stations about something that troubles you.
For more information please contact Stepfan Jones at (704) 336-2551 or email at stjones@ci.charlotte.nc.us
|
|
|
|
|
