HomeMy WebLinkAbout601.001 - Introduction Section 601.001
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FIRE EXPLORER MANUAL
INTRODUCTION
601.001 INTRODUCTION
EFFECTIVE: JANUARY 2008
Current Revision Date: 3/01/22 Next Revision Date: 3/01/25
Author’s Name/Rank: Kerri L. Donis, Fire Chief Review Level: 1
Administrative Support:
Annette M. Grieser,
Executive Assistant ADA
PURPOSE
The Fresno Fire Department (FFD or Department) Explorer Program is an official
Department function that has been approved by the Fire Chief and Fresno City Risk
Management. The program is chartered through the Exploring Division of the Boy
Scouts of America and Learning for Life Programs.
APPLICATION
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OPERATIONAL POLICY
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
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PROCESS
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INFORMATION
Exploring is Learning for Life’s career education program for young men and women
who are at least 14 years of age (and have completed 8th grade) and not yet 21 years
old. Explorers over 21 have the option of continuing as Adult Advisors. Exploring is
all about helping young adults make a more informed decision about future careers
and determine if a career in the fire service is the right one for them. Exploring is not
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about lectures and slide shows – it’s about gaining practical experience in the
firefighting field. The result is a program of activities that helps youth pursue their
special interests and develop as outlined below:
1. Vision of Learning for Life’s Explorer Program: The vision of the Learning for
Life’s Explorer Program is “To provide positive and meaningful real-world
career experiences and leadership development opportunities for all teenagers
and young adults in their chosen field of interest.”
2. Goal of the Explorer Program: The goal of the Explorer program is “To provide
an overview of the Fire Service and prepare Explorers to be successful in a
licensed Fire Academy.”
3. Areas of Emphasis of the Explorer Program:
Career Opportunities: Real-world career skills
Leadership Experience: Leadership skills employers crave
Life Skills: Conflict-resolution, problem-solving, relationship skills
Citizenship: Learn democratic process and respect for others
Character Education: Ethical decision making
Firefighting is one of the world’s most honored but hazardous occupations. It is the
duty of every department to save lives, reduce injuries and property loss. By becoming
a firefighter, an individual joins a profession that is rich in heritage of dedication,
unselfish sacrifice, and inspired human action. A firefighter performs no greater
service than coming to the aid of others. A firefighter’s job is not comfortable or easy;
it is a profession that exposes an individual to a high level of personal stress and
danger. Firefighting requires a high sense of personal dedication, a high level of skill,
and a genuine desire to help people.
Most fire departments are considered ALL RISK departments. This means their
members must respond and be prepared for any and all emergency situations.
Firefighters are exposed to a never ending list of possible scenarios. Fires, medical
emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, aircraft crashes, weather disasters, rescues,
and hazardous materials incidents are just a few. From the first time an emergency
situation is encountered until the last day of service, the public expects a firefighter to
perform heroically. Firefighters are not extraordinary; they are ordinary people who
often find themselves in extraordinary situations.
A firefighter’s reward goes beyond just the satisfaction of helping someone in need.
It develops a sense of belonging and teamwork along with the understanding of having
a dramatic impact on the social identity and values of the community.
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Fire Explorers will be exposed to many of the vocabulary and skills used in fire
departments. Through training and mentoring relationships, they can discover if the
fire service is right for them and gather positive experiences to advance towards their
career. Regardless of an Explorer’s career choice in the end, the experience and
knowledge shared through exploring provides a solid foundation of life and
interpersonal skills which can be used to advance any career.
DEFINITIONS
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CROSS REFERENCES
Fresno Fire Explorer Program Website
https://www.exploring.org/