EXEMPLARY PRACTICES IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Los Angeles City Fire Explorer Program
Program Description: Fire Explorer Post 89 is one of 14 posts sponsored by the Los Angeles City Fire Department and chartered by the Boy Scouts of America. Boys and girls at least 15 but not yet 21 years old are eligible to join. Members meet regularly at Fire Station 89 in North Hollywood, where a veteran firefighter acts as their post unit adviser.
The goal of all these explorer posts is to expose the young people to firefighting as an occupation and spark an interest in firefighting as a possible career. After they are trained in the safety rules of the station, apparatus inventory, and the department's rules and regulations, explorers become involved in specific approved station activities. Among these activities are changing, washing, and hanging hoses; participating in the department's exercise program; maintaining the fire station and apparatus; classroom training and chalkboard prefire planning; and working with tools, equipment, and ladders to qualify to ride out on the apparatus.
After qualifying to ride out, an explorer can accompany fire companies during routine and emergency activities but is prohibited from involvement in hazardous situations or any direct fire suppression activities. To maintain certification, explorers must schedule a minimum of 12 hours of ride-out time per month.
Evaluation Information: The Los Angeles City Fire Department Explorer Program has been recognized as a very important part of the city's volunteer program. Boys and girls in the program have received praise for their efforts during the 1994 Northridge earthquake and civil unrest and brush fires in 1992. One boy helped firefighters extricate a man trapped by the earthquake in a concrete parking garage. Five young men have been hired as full-time paid firefighters.
Annual Budget: No specific funding; supported by the Los Angeles City Fire Department.
Sources of Funding: Los Angeles City Fire Department.
Program Type: Emergency (firefighting) education and volunteer partnership.
Target Population: Residents of a low- to middle-income Hispanic neighborhood.
Setting: North Hollywood fire station.
Project Startup Date: 1979.
Contact: Ralph D. Urquiza
Firefighter III
Fire Station 89 "A" Platoon
Los Angeles City Fire Department
7063 Laurel Canyon Boulevard
North Hollywood, CA 91605
Tel: 818-756-8689
Fax: 805-376-0306
Last Modified: Wednesday, 29-Mar-2006 12:27:55 EST