Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by FETC on September 7, 2009 at 6:30pm

Ryan,

Well seing you posted it in the right discussion group, you should be able to find this discussion. May I suggest you use the search option, type in explorers or juniors.

This has been debated and I for one am tired of reliving the same discussions/debates.

http://www.firefighternation.com/forum/topics/startin-an-explorer-p...

http://www.firefighternation.com/forum/topics/889755:Topic:627401

http://www.firefighternation.com/forum/topics/889755:Topic:171963

Permalink Reply by Jessica Travis on September 7, 2009 at 6:33pm

i prefer the nation junior firefighter program simply because thats what my department is affiliated with... im not sure about the boy scouts of america explorers program but the national junior firefighter program gives out thousands of dollars of scholarships every year to deserving members. There is also the option of forming your own program within your department to really make it fit exactly what you need for your youth. I hope this helps you some!!
tcss
Jessi<3

Permalink Reply by FETC on September 7, 2009 at 6:38pm

Jessica who is the national junior firefighter program and what is their affiliation?

Permalink Reply by Marc on September 7, 2009 at 7:18pm

Explorers. But, DO NOT do it through The Boy Scouts. Do it through the Learning For Life Foundation. They run lots of different explorering oppertunities in many different fields, specializing in emergency services. The Learning For Life foundation is SO GOOD that we, the Los Angeles CITY Fire Department, use it. We use to use the Boy Scouts, but kept having problems with them. (including sexism, racism, funding, etc...) Learning for life is great. Try looking into them

Explorer Capt. Marc Hurwitz
LAFD

Permalink Reply by John Crabbe on September 7, 2009 at 7:38pm

Learning for Life, IS, the Boy Scouts

Permalink Reply by FETC on September 7, 2009 at 7:52pm

Johns right. Exploring is a worksite-based program. It is part of Learning for Life's career education program for young men and women who are 14 (and have completed the eighth grade) through 20 years old.

All policies must fit with departmental regulations, Learning for Life regulations, and state laws. All of these issues should be resolved in the post bylaws before Fire and Emergency Services Explorer activities begin. If you have any questions about the safety of an activity not listed, contact your local Learning for Life office.

Interesting facts straight from their website:

Explorers may not be substituted for trained personnel.
Explorers must be equipped with ppe that is appropriate for the activity being done.
Explorers may be mobilized only as a post, with required leadership. Explorers are not on call as individuals.
Explorers who ride on apparatus or other department vehicles must be seated and must wear a seat belt.
Explorers may not drive department vehicles.
Explorers may not climb aerial ladders.
Explorers may not climb ground ladders that exceed 35 feet in length, or not supported against a structure.
Explorers may not enter or perform ventilation procedures on a burning structure.
Explorers may not use any tools or gloves on energized electrical equipment.
Explorers may not operate cutting torches
Explorers may not operate hydraulic rescue tools or equipment.
Explorers may not handle life nets.

Permalink Reply by Ryan Rex on September 7, 2009 at 9:05pm

Thanks but the NVFC gives out money to JRs and Explorers

Permalink Reply by Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp on September 7, 2009 at 9:25pm

Ryan, its just a matter of whether you want to go along with the Boy Scouts program and be Explorers or put your own program together as we did and have Junior Firefighters. After we checked into the Explorer program it was evident to us that primarily the only benefit of the Explorer program was the liability insurance that you pay dues for. We convinced our insurance to cover our Juniors and put together or own program. Our Juniors 14-18 are equipped, train and respond much the same way as our regular volunteers. However, they are not put into situations they are not capable of handling such as driving apparatus, going into burning structures, or the lead on a nozzle. They are expected to maintain a C average in school and be good citizens in school and the community. Good program if it is monitored and kept productive by your Department leadership.

Permalink Reply by eva on September 7, 2009 at 9:34pm

u should do the junior ff program. im a junior ff and i love it. i have been for a couple years. i dont know what the explorer thing is though

Permalink Reply by Ryan Rex on September 7, 2009 at 9:40pm

Thats great that you did that but how hard was it to convince your insurance to add juniors to the policY?