Explorer Post #48
If you are a Whitehall Central School student aged 13 years or older and:
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Have an interest in Fire Operations and Emergency Services;
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Possess a desire to serve your community;
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Want to experience real life situations more than computer simulations;
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Want to be a part of something larger than yourself;
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Have a need to learn team-building and to belong to that team;
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Have leadership skills or want to learn about leadership and responsibility?
If so, then we have just the program for you. Our Fire Explorer program is administered under the guidelines provided by the Boy Scouts of America Learning for Life series of activities. These activities are designed to give interested youth the necessary practical experience and knowledge to assist them in determining possible life career opportunities. As High School provides you with enough knowledge to pursue more education or to exist in the world, this program exposes you to real-world training and experience that comes from more than books and lectures. So, just what do we offer you and what can you expect from becoming a member of this organization?
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Exposure to the inner workings of a very active Volunteer Fire Company:
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Observe how local government operates and manages the proper operations of the company.
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Actively participate in training events and learn how fire operations are conducted.
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Receive hands-on training on all equipment and how it is employed and maintained.
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Learn the training and education needed to become a fully qualified fire fighter.
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A better understanding of the importance of the Fire Service to community and citizens.
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Achieve a level of training to earn your own “turn out” gear and work with active volunteer firefighters.
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Be a part of and serve with some of the highest quality people in the community.
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Establish relationships with people who can be of great help in future endeavors.
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Observe and learn real leadership principles in a real operational environment.
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Achieve an understanding of what commitment is and how important taking responsibility is in all facets of life.
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EARN the respect of fellow fire fighters, members of the community and, most importantly, realize how much you now respect yourself.
Whether you want to pursue a career in the Fire Service should not be the deciding factor in joining this organization! Re-read the above and realize the life lessons you will learn which will directly benefit you and your future.
Experience the satisfaction of not only being part of an elite organization but knowing that you have what it takes to succeed…while realizing that your peers may not have these type abilities. This is yet another life lesson learned early and not later. Are you the kind of individual ruled by your own mind and drive or one who bases personal decisions on the acceptance of the group? It’s just a question to ponder — deeply.
Want to talk more about this or need more information? Then stop at the Station any Tuesday night with questions or to setup an appointment. All appointments/interviews must be attended by at least one parent. We look forward to hearing from you!
Explorer Rules and Regulations
Introduction: The Whitehall Volunteer Fire Company Inc. is responsible for providing quality fire prevention, suppression, emergency medical response, and rescue services to the Whitehall and surrounding area
All Explorers of the Whitehall Volunteer Fire Company Inc. are expected to be outstanding citizens of the community. Even at times that a member is not in uniform, the member represents the Fire Department. Morals and personal beliefs are taken into consideration during the membership process. In short, a person that the normal, reasonable person would wish to mentor or emulate would be the perfect person for membership.
The mission of this organization is to prevent fire through a systematic delivery service of education, fire prevention awareness, and proactive initiatives that focus on eliminating acts and/or practices that can cause fire.
Please keep in mind that this document is not an absolute nor is all-inclusive, but is in fact a guideline. Each incident is unique and good judgment must be used in providing the most effective, efficient and safe resolution.
These rules and regulations cannot, nor are they expected to, provide a solution to every question or problem that may arise in an emergency situation. It is expected that they will cover, whether in a specific or general way, the obligations and duties of the Explorer member of the Whitehall Volunteer Fire Company Inc.
These rules and regulations apply to all Explorer connected with the Whitehall Volunteer Fire Company Inc. Every member shall abide by these rules and regulations.
Requirements:
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Explorer membership is limited to those who have achieved the age of 13 but not the age of 16. No prospective member shall be disqualified based on race, color, creed or sex.
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Reside within the fire district of Whitehall Volunteer Fire Company Inc. (exceptions shall be awarded by the Fire Chief).
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Physically and mentally capable to perform the duties of an Explorer.
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Be of good moral character.
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Must understand and agree, that consumption of, or appearance of being under the influence of alcohol, or any illegal narcotics while active with the Explorer Program of the Whitehall Volunteer Fire Company Inc., during a fire company function, you will be subject for termination from Whitehall Volunteer Fire Company Inc. Explorer Program.
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Your presence at any emergency scene is not necessary and will not be accepted or tolerated.
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Attend all Training Meetings after schoolwork is complete and with the permission of the parents or guardian
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Attend all school classes. Grades must be kept up to a passing level. If you failed your grade you failed your Fire Company. If your parents indicate you have a failing grade in one or more of your subjects, you will be temporary relived of attendance until notified by your parents that your grade(s) have been brought up to a passing level.
Job Description:
As an Explorer, you will be a part of the Whitehall Volunteer Fire Company Inc. staff. You will also be able to participate in training events and other station based duties performed by qualified Firefighters, though on a limited and supervised basis. With this in mind, Whitehall Volunteer Fire Company Inc. will strive to provide a safe, learning environment and help promote leadership through the public service career approach. All training and knowledge acquired would also help instill a positive, moral induced lifestyle whether or not one chooses to stay in this selected field.
However, Explorers will only be allowed to participate in station based training when under close supervision of a Fire Officer or subordinate. Explorers shall never be allowed to participate in close proximity suppression activities including operating in a hazardous environment.
As an Explorer, you will never be allowed to use equipment such as SCBA, Extrication Tools and high powered cutting saws until 16 years of age, and then only while serving as a Junior Firefighter, and under close supervision in fire company training events.
You will be trained within the fire company on subjects such as, but not limited to:
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Fire Department Orientation
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Small hand tools and loose equipment
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Radio Communications
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Run order and description of all emergency apparatus
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Understanding of Chain of Command
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Incident Command System
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CPR and other related EMS duties