Explorer Post 400

 

 

 

Created in the fall of 2009, the position of Fire Explorer within the New Albany 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.

 

Program Description

The Fire Explorer program consists of a minimum of once-monthly classroom activities held at the New Albany Fire Dept., where instruction is offered by New Albany Fire Department personnel in the various subjects relating to department operations and functions such as emergency breathing apparatus, first-aid, hose lines, 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.  There will be a Summer Camp where the explorer candidate will spend the Days at the Fire House from 8:00am until 5:00pm working beside the New Albany Fire Personnel.

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(certain age restrictions apply). 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 as decided by the Executive Board(board members are listed below).

The New Albany Fire Explorer Post 400 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 uniforms consists of designated steel toe leather boots, navy blue pants, black leather belt, and a monogrammed red polo shirt. 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 New Albany Fire Department and inappropriate behavior cannot and will not be tolerated.

 

Program Requirements

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 14 at the time of appointment. Candidate must leave program by their 21st birthday.

Minimum grade point average (G.P.A.) - All New Albany Fire Explorer Post 400 members shall maintain a minimum  "C' average or better at all times while engaged

in the program.

Grades will be reviewed by the New Albany Explorer post 400 Executive Board at the close of fall and spring semesters.

If a New Albany Fire Explorer Post 400 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 New Albany 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 semesters shall cause the explorer member to be immediately considered for termination. 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 Union County.

Financial ability to obtain the Post-required uniform.

 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 Explorer member while he/she is engaged in Department authorized events

 

Application Process

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, and mechanical aptitude.

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 New Albany 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.