|
 Created
in the spring of 1993, the position of Fire Explorer within the
Modesto Fire Department is a career awareness vehicle. Young
men and women in the community who are interested in a future fire
service career can have the opportunity to
train and interact in a
fire-service environment as a tool to help discover if this career
is appropriate for them. Although this is a non-volunteer, unpaid
position within the department, it is a terrific opportunity to get
as "up-close and personal" to the fire service as is possible
without taking the actual firefighter entry exam. |
|
The Fire Explorer program consists of a minimum of
twice-monthly classroom activities held at the Regional Fire Training
Center, where instruction is offered by Modesto Fire Department personnel
in the various subjects relating to department operations and functions
such as emergency breathing apparatus, first-aid, hoselines, ladders,
protective clothing, rescue and other pertinent department subjects.
The class schedule is year-round and consists of various "hands-on"
operations. The department provides full protective safety gear
(turnouts) during these events.
 After
an initial "orientation period", during which the selected explorer
candidate is given basic information on department operations, the process
known as 'station assignment' or 'ride-along' begins. This consists
of the fire explorer candidate being assigned to a selected fire station
every month for a pre-determined time period wherein he/she works
alongside department personnel in non-emergency activities such as station
maintenance, hydrant servicing, training, and public relations. The
fire explorer candidate can ride on the assigned apparatus to emergency
incidents, but must remain an observer only. The fire
explorer candidate is evaluated during each station assignment by a
company officer. Unsatisfactory evaluations can lead to
disciplinary actions such as reduced station time or dismissal in extreme
cases.
The Modesto Fire Explorer Post is very involved with
department public relations programs and projects. These public
interactions require a "duty uniform:, the expense of which
 is
the responsibility of the explorer candidate. These uniform consists
of designated steel toe leather boots, navy blue pants, black leather
belt, navy blue shirt, navy blue dress shirt, black tie/tie bar, and
monogrammed navy blue jacket. A badge identification is provided by
the Post and participation in fund raiser to help reduce expenses and
purchase needed materials is expected. As a sub-agency of the fire
department, each explorer candidate must realize and be aware that their
presence and actions as an explorer reflect upon the image and reputation
of the Modesto Fire Department and inappropriate behavior cannot and will
not be tolerated.
Click here to see the training.
Top
|
|
Attendance is mandatory for all classroom activities,
public events, station assignments and other actions deemed appropriate by
department personnel.
 A
set amount of class absences is permitted by program policy. Absence
beyond that amount allowed, results in disciplinary measures such as
reduction in station assignment time or dismissal from the program in
severe situations.
Education is a key component in developing a successful
fire service career. Gaining additional knowledge and training to
better one's self cannot be overemphasized or taken too lightly.
- Minimum age of 16 at the time of appointment. Candidate must
leave program by their 21st birthday.
- Minimum grade point average (g.p.a.)- All Modesto Fire Explorer Post
911 members shall maintain a minimum g.p.a. of 2.0 ("C' average) or
better at all times while engaged in the program.
- Grades will be reviewed by command staff at the close of fall and
spring semesters.
- If a Modesto Fire Explorer Post 911 member fails to achieve the
minimum g.p.a. as required, he/she shall be prohibited from all station
assignments during the following semester. If grades return to
satisfactory status during the next semester, station assignment status
returns to normal If below-minimum semester grades occur
consecutively, explorer shall immediately be considered for termination.
- If a Modesto Fire Explorer member has graduated from high school,
but fails to enroll at an institution of higher education. he/she shall
forfeit station assignment duty for that semester. Two (2)
consecutively missed semester shall cause the explorer member to be
immediately considered for termination.
Although not
required, command staff highly recommend Explorer members be enrolled in
at least one (1) fire-science related course each semester.
- Height proportionate to weight
- Good health (in lieu of a physical agility test, Explorer candidates
must, prior to appointment, submit proof of successful physical exam by
physician)
- No felony convictions
- Reside within Stanislaus County
- Financial ability to obtain the Post-required uniform ($240
estimated)
A yearly registration fee, payable upon appointment to
the Post, provides liability insurance coverage through the Boy Scouts of
America. This is designed as a back-up policy to an individual's
private insurance. This policy covers the the Explorer member while
he/she is engaged in Department authorized events.
Top
|
|
In an effort to make this program a springboard to the actual
firefighter entry test, the Explorer application process is designed to mirror
the same requirements. The procedure consists of written application,
written exam, oral interview, background check, and successful physical exam
(if appointed).
- Written Application - Incomplete, unsigned, or illegible information on
the written application
 shall be considered failure of the application
process.
- Written Exam - A comprehensive written exam shall be given. Subjects
that may be covered include math, reading comprehension, mechanical aptitude
and chemistry.
- Oral Interview - Candidates who are successful in the written exam will be
invited to an oral board presentation. The oral interview constitutes
the majority of the overall grade given.
- Background Check - Employees/representatives of the Modesto Fire
Department must be above reproach or question of trust. Therefore, a
background check may be considered for applicants who are successful in both
the written exam and oral interview.
- Physical Exam - Prior to appointment, the explorer candidate must secure a
signed document from his/her physician stating that said individual's health
status would not prohibit him/her from engaging in strenuous, extended
physical exertion.
For more information send email:
EXPLORER POST 911
Top
|
