JFRD Explorer Post 29 “Our best today for a better tomorrow.”

Introduction JFRD Explorer Post 29 was established in 1998 The purpose of the JFRD Explorer Post 29 is to provide it’s members with a first hand opportunity to learn about a career in the fire and rescue service. Additional goals include challenging members with leadership opportunities while helping them develop a sense of responsibility. This program encourages good character and citizenship while instilling the desire to give back to the community you live in through outreach efforts. Background of Post 83 and Post 29 joining as one. Establishing leadership skills builds confidence. We want to them learn how to work successfully in a team environment An example is the Executive Officer Board within the organization. These individuals will periodically lead meetings, perfect documentation skills, all while taking on mentorship roles

Membership Requirements An eligible applicant must: Be 14-20 years old Have completed the 10th grade or higher or high school graduate or equivalent Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA Clarify the membership v/s the 90 day probationary period

The program activities center on five experience areas- Career Leadership Service Social Interaction Fitness

Probationary Explorer All new applicants will be considered a Probationary Explorer during the first 180 days(12 consecutive meeting), before being considered for the rank of Explorer. As such you will be required to; Achieve a score of 100% on written entrance exam provided on first official meeting within the 180 day probationary period Have perfect attendance during the probationary period(12 consecutive meetings) So, do I have your attention? Today does not qualify as first official-This is an informational meeting on the program All needed information to successfully complete exam will be covered in monthly meeting. Explorers will be provided a copy of and adhere to the JFRD Explorer Post Bylaws.

Submit most recent progress report or report card with a minimum 2 Submit most recent progress report or report card with a minimum 2.0 GPA Have a parent or guardian attend at least two of the twelve consecutive meeting You have to successfully complete the 180 day probationary period

How much water?

Did you know…. JFRD has 3 different ladder types Quint 75’, 100’ straight stick, 105’ Some require an extra steering wheel in the rear because it is so long.

Don’t get discouraged. You are almost there!! It may sound like a lot to some of you, but the 6th meeting will come before you know it. Once we are in the classroom setting and you have an chance to really do some hands on skills, you’ll have forgotten all about this meeting.

Learning one of the techniques used to advance a charged hose line Training Learning one of the techniques used to advance a charged hose line

Firematics Competition

Probationary Explorer Attendance If 1 meeting is missed within first the 180 day probationary period the Probationary Explorer has the opportunity to make-up the day by adding a meeting at the end of 90 day period If 2 meeting are missed within the first 90 days, the Probationary Explorer will have to attend an additional 3 consecutive meetings at the end of the initial 180 days before advancing to rank of Explorer If 3 meetings are missed within the first 90 days of the probationary period, the Probationary Explorer’s continued membership will be considered for possible disqualification from the post

How often do we meet? JFRD Post 29 will meet every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month Meeting times will be from 6pm-9pm These dates and times are subject to change, but proper notifications will be made. Some Saturday commitments will be required based on training, special events, and community service events. The primary method of communicating will be by email. The official JFRD Explorer Post 29 email address is jfrdexplorers@coj.net

Explorer Once you have successfully completed the 180 day probationary period you will be promoted to the rank of Explorer. You will be issued a uniform You may be permitted to participate in the ride a-long program at this rank Before you can participate in a ride a-long, you will be required to do a hands on review to insure you are prepared.

What will I be doing as an Explorer? Under direct supervision, Explorers will: Become part of the JFRD volunteer family by joining the apparatus crew for the day. Respond to true fire and medical emergency calls on JFRD apparatus Assist with other non-hazardous duties on the fire ground Provide real patient care assistance w/o any direct patient contact. Attend monthly meetings and community service related events. Obtain American Heart Association CPR Certification Participate in CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training (when available) Participate in SHADCO Safety Fairs (Sheriff’s Advisory Council) All while earning community service hours All while earning community service hours needed for high school as well as college applications Each monthly meeting, community service event and ride a-long counts towards community service hours.

One of the most important sets of tools on a fire scene

As you can see, being an Explorer allows may opportunities to be a positive role model Camp Itche Providing basic first aid care while monitored by Paramedic Advisors at Boy Scouts of America Special Needs Camps

Thanksgiving Dinner Volunteering at community outreach events. This was in 2010.

Preparing for SHAdCo Event Shadco-Sheriff’s Advisory Council Safety Fair Different local first responder agencies host a community safety fair designed to provide resources and important safety information to the community

Walmart Annual Shop with a First Responder A multi agency event designed to assist local families with Christmas shopping

Annual parade participation We get a lot of inquiries about the program after the parades. Gator Bowl Parade Annual parade participation .

Martin Luther King Jr Parade

Wild Adventures Summer Trip Made possible by fund raising events

Firematics Competition