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ASHVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE Adopted/Revised 02/01/2008

Procedure #

Title Explorer Rules & Regulations

Mission The mission of the Ashville Fire Department Explorer Post is to provide young adults with the proper environment, resources, and knowledge through experiential learning that they will need to gain insight into the fire service field. Explorers will learn about fire service careers through a variety of hands-on programs that are designed to promote growth and development of youth. Membership Requirements: To be eligible for membership in the Explorer Post, an individual must: • • • •

be at least fourteen (14) years old; have completed the eighth grade; return a permission slip signed by their parents or guardians; and return a completed medical information sheet.

Any Explorer who misses six (6) consecutive unexcused meetings shall be considered inactive and may be dismissed from the Explorer Post. Duties: An Explorer with the AFD will operate in a support role under supervision of AFD shift personnel. Support services that explorers may participate in shall include but may not be limited to: hydrant inspections, pre-fire planning, fire prevention / public education activities, department cleanup, postincident equipment cleaning and maintenance, and participation in routine drills and training sessions. While operating at a fire or emergency scene, an Explorer may be called on to provide support to AFD personnel at the scene. These activities may include but may not be limited to: equipment retrieval, air cylinder exchange, assisting with hydrant connections, post-fire cleanup, minor overhaul activities, and hose and equipment pick-up. Explorers shall not be exposed to any environment that is immediately dangerous to life or health. Safety All Explorers are expected to exercise extreme safety measures at all times. Each Explorer shall wear the personal protective equipment that is appropriate for the activity being performed. Explorers shall only participate in activities for which they have been trained. At no time will an Explorer enter a burning structure or be placed in a know danger (Hot) zone.

Page 2 of 3 Conduct An Explorer shall always conduct him/herself in a professional manner so as to project a positive image of themselves and the Ashville Fire Department. Any action or conduct by an Explorer that is deemed unprofessional or that portrays a negative image of the AFD or Explorer Post may result in disciplinary action (to be determined by the Explorer Post advisor with approval from the Fire Chief), which may include termination from the Explorer program. Parent(s) will be advised of any disciplinary action taken against an Explorer. Ride-Along Program The purpose of the Explorer ride-along program is to enable Explorers to gain knowledge about fire department operations through their observation of AFD personnel at emergency scenes and participation in non-hazardous activities. 

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To be eligible for the ride-along program, an explorer must attend a minimum of six (6) scheduled meetings and must have minimum Explorer training as set forth by the program coordinator. Explorers must have returned a parental permission slip in order to participate in the ride-along program. Explorers must attend at least one (1) scheduled meeting in a month to be eligible to ride the following month. Explorers must maintain a “C” average or above in all school courses to be eligible for the ride along program. Explorers must present a copy of their grade report to the program coordinator for review. Explorers must obtain approval from the shift commander (or his designee) prior to riding. Explorers may call no earlier that 09:00 to obtain approval to ride. Explorers may call the first day of a shift's work week to obtain approval for a maximum of two (2) work days during that shift's rotation. On the third day, the Explorer may call to obtain approval for that day if the maximum number of Explorers has not already signed up for that day. A maximum of two (2) Explorers at a time may participate in the ride-along program per shift. Explorers who participate in the ride along program shall stay no later than 21:00 on school nights and 22:00 on weekends or holidays. Explorers shall check in and out with the shift commander or his designee when arriving or leaving for the day. Explorers who ride on apparatus or other fire department vehicles must be seated and must wear a seat belt. Explorers may not: - drive fire department vehicles - be substituted for trained personnel - climb aerial ladders - climb ground ladders that exceed 35 feet in length or any ladder not supported against a building. - enter a burning structure; - operate powered hydraulic rescue tools or cutting torches; - operate chain saws or other power saws - use any tools or gloves on energized electrical equipment; - direct traffic at an emergency scene.

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Explorers shall wear personal protective equipment that is appropriate for the activity being performed. At a minimum, an Explorer must wear a reflective vest and hard hat while operating at an emergency scene. Explorers shall wear department approved uniforms while participating in AFD functions. All issued equipment shall be kept clean, neat, and in order. Turnout gear must be left at the fire station, and shall not be taken home. All issued equipment shall be returned to the fire department upon separation from the Explorer program. Horseplay is dangerous, and will not be tolerated. Teamwork should be practiced to accomplish the task at hand. Explorers must be supervised by AFD staff during all activities.

Uniforms The approved Explorer uniform shall consist of the following:  Dark blue plain-front uniform pants or BDU trousers.  Red crew neck t-shirt or sweat shirt. AFD Maltese cross emblem with “EXPLORER” underneath emblem on the left front of the shirt. “ASHVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT – EXPLORER” across the back of the shirt. All writing shall be white in color.  Black shoes or boots  Red baseball style cap with “AFD – EXPLORER” on the front (optional).  Black leather or web belt. (plain buckle only). All uniform items shall be kept clean and neat in appearance. Explorers shall NOT be permitted to wear regular fire department uniform items.