Clark County
Fire Department
Explorer Handbook
Revised January 2012
Index Page
Welcome Page…………………………………………………………………Page 4
Department Organizational Chart………………………………………..…Page 5
Explorer Program Organizational Chart……………………………..……. Page 6
Attendance Policy
Calling In…………………………………………………………... Page 7
Excused Absences…………………………………………………. Page 7
No Call No Show………………………………………………….. Page 7
Leave of Absence………………………………………………….. Page 8
Reporting Time……………………………………………………. Page 8
Injury/Illness……………………………………………………… .Page 8
Dress Code
Dress and Appearance……………………………………………….Page 9-10
Probationary Explorer Uniform………………………………….......Page 10
Explorer Uniform…………………………………………………… Page 11
Testing Policy
Testing ……………………………………………………………… Page 12
Retaking Test…………………………………………………….….. Page 12
Test Make Up……………………………………………………….. Page 13
Scantrons/Test Sheets……………………………………………….. Page 13
Homework…………………………………………………………... Page 13
Promotional Policy
Program Certifications………………………………………………..Page 14
Promotional Rank………………………………………………….....Page 15
Promotional Test……………………………………………………..Page 16
Coordinator Positions…………………………………………..…………..Page 17
Inspection Policy………………………………………………………….....Page 18-20
Ride A-longs................................................................................................... Page 21-23
Volunteer…………………………………………………………………….Page 24
Physical Training Policy………………………………………………….…Page 25
Physical Test Requirements……………………………..………………..…Page 26-27
Drill Grounds……………………………………………………………….Page 28
Explorer Website/Internet………………….………………..…………… Page 29
Personal Conduct…………………………………………………………...Page 30
Explorer Definitions………………………………………………………. Page 31-32
Explorer Abbreviations…………………………………………………… Page 33
Clark County Fire Department
Explorer Program
Congratulations on your choice to embark on a career path to becoming a Firefighter.
Here at the Clark County Fire Department Explorer program we will provide you the opportunity to “explore” the career of firefighting.
You will gain knowledge of firefighting skills, hands on training of fire ground operations, conduct ride-a-longs with fire crews on duty, provide assistance with charity work along with many other training opportunities that will aide you in your career path.
The Clark County Fire Department Explorer Program is organized in conjunction with the Boy Scouts of America. The Boy Scout of America Explorer post gives young adults the opportunity to decide if the Fire Service is a career you would like to pursue.
The fire service is a strict paramilitary organization, so is the Explorer program.
Members are expected to adhere to all the standards of dress, personal hygiene and behavior set forth by the Clark County Fire Department. Explorers are an extension of the department and shall set forth a professional manner while representing them selves as an Explorer.
The Explorer Program is looking for highly motivated, dedicated people, with professional attitudes and good work ethics. The Explorer program should be viewed as an interview process. Your personal attributes will be evaluated.
To become an Explorer, you must pass the Probationary Explorer period within the standards set by the program. Entrance into the Explorer program will be evaluated during the Six (6) month probationary period. Once selected as an Explorer you will have the opportunity to continue your training to a more advanced level, conduct ride-a-longs and much more.
Being a member of the Explorer Program is a privilege most young adults do not have. Take advantage of all there is to learn, be respectful and have fun. Remember, you will get out of this program what you put into it. Good luck with your pursuit in a career with the fire service.
------ CCFD Explorer Advisors
Department Organizational Chart
Explorer Chain of Command
See attached sheet
Attendance Policy
The attendance policy is in place so all members of the Clark County Explorer Program will be present for the majority of the classes being taught and to establish accountability within the program.
Calling In
An Explorer/Probationary Explorer must call in no later than one (1) day prior to an explorer meeting. The Explorer/Probationary Explorer must call their direct instructor personally to inform them of the meeting they are going to miss. Not informing an instructor personally will result in a no call no show.
In the event an Explorer/Probationary Explorer is unable to contact their direct instructor(s), the Explorer/Probationary Explorer may contact any other Explorer Advisor. In the event an Explorer/Probationary Explorer is not able to arrive on time or will be absent due to an unforeseen incident, the Explorer/Probationary Explorer shall attempt to contact an Explorer Advisor no later than 0700 hours the morning of the meeting.
When contacting Explorer Advisors the Explorer/Probationary Explorer will conduct themselves in a professional manner and utilize proper phone etiquette. Phones calls will be made during the hours of 0800-2000 hours, the day prior to an Explorer meeting, and at no time is the explorer to use texting as a form of phone communication.
Excused Absences
An Explorer may not have more than four (4) excused absences within a one year calendar date. Upon acquiring five (5) excused absences, the Explorer will be demoted one rank or one certification within the program.
Probationary Explorers may not have more than 2 excused absences within the 12 meeting probationary period. Upon acquiring three (3) excused absences, the Probationary Explorer will restart the program if he/she decides to continue.
No Call No Show
A “No call, No show” is defined as a failure to report to training without an approved excused absence. Failure to contact an Explorer Advisor properly, prior to an absence, will result in a No call, No show. Obtaining a “No call No show” will result in restarting the probationary program for any members within the program.
Leave of Absence
A leave of absence is defined as an excused extended time in which the Explorer/Probationary Explorer may take from the program.
A leave of absence from the Explorer program may only be approved by the Explorer Advisor in overall command. Reasons for taking a leave of absence are, but not limited to; Paramedic school, Wildland Fire seasonal employment or outside education such as a self funded fire academy.
All requests for leave of absence will be typed and submitted to the Explorer Advisor utilizing the chain of command no later then 30 days prior to the start of requested leave. It will be left to the Explorer Advisor in overall command to evaluate the extent of the leave and determine where the Explorer/Probationary Explorer shall return in the ranking among the program upon return of leave.
Reporting Time
Classroom training hours vary throughout the Explorer program as deemed necessary by the Explorer Advisors. Normal training hours are every other Saturday from 0800-1300 hours.
Failure to report to training on time will be cause for dismissal from the program. Upon the Explorer/Probationary Explorer acquiring more than three (3) tardy infractions within a calendar year (12 Months), the Explorer will be demoted one rank from their current position. Probationary Explorers will be dismissed from the program and may restart at a later date if he/she decides to.
Injury or Illness
If an Explorer/Probationary Explorer chooses to report to training while injured or ill the Explorer/Probationary Explorer must notify their Explorer Advisor prior to the beginning of training. Explorer Advisors strongly recommend Explorers/ Probationary Explorers to provide a medical note at anytime of an injury/ illness that details the injury/ illness and the physical activity recommended by a doctor. The Explorer/Probationary Explorer must provide a list of medications to the Explorer Advisors that he/she is taking during their injury or illness. The Explorer/Probationary Explorer will be excused from daily physical activity until they return with a doctor’s note stating they may participate in all physical activity.
Dress Code Policy
The Dress Code Policy is in close accordance to the Clark County Dress Code policy. This policy must be followed while at explorers, during any explorer events, or at anytime the explorer is in uniform. The concept of the Dress Code Policy of the Clark County Fire Department Explorers Program is to show a professional image and uniformity as well as promote a safe working environment. Failure to comply with any or all dress code policies will result in disciplinary actions up to removal from the program.
Dress and Appearance
While representing the CCFD each member of the explorer program must keep a high standard of dress and personal appearance. The standard of appearance includes four elements: NEATNESS, CLEANLINESS, SAFETY, and the CCFD IMAGE. The image must instill professionalism and respect to the public and fire department it is representing.
Uniforms Standard “Off Duty”
Any and all Explorer Uniforms with fire department ensemble and/or logo will never be worn out in public when not attending an Explorer function.
Uniform Standard “On Duty”
Uniforms must be clean, neat, Military pressed, correct in design and specification, and in good condition – not torn, faded, cracked lettering/design, or worn looking.
Uniform shirts and pockets are to be kept buttoned; shirts must be tucked in, and boots must be shined and in good working condition.
Badges, belt buckles, and name badges must be clean and free of scratches and corrosion.
Hair
*Hair styles shall be neat, clean and present a well groomed appearance.
*No hair shall cover the ears.
*No hair styles shall go passed the shirt collar.
*Hair length will not exceed 3 inches in bulk when measuring.
*Bangs shall either be cut or fashioned to permit the individual to don a SCBA face piece and obtain a proper seal against the face and shall not interfere with the vision.
*Hair must look natural if dyed. It may not be dyed, colored, or bleached an unusual color or be an unnatural or extreme contrast.
Facial Hair and Sideburns
*Mustaches will not be permitted in the Clark County Fire Department Explorer Program.
*Beards, Goatees, and other facial hair will not be permitted in the Clark County Fire Department Explorer Program.
*Sideburns shall be neatly trimmed and well groomed. They shall not extend below the lowest part of the exterior earlobe.
Jewelry
*No loose fitting or excessive jewelry shall be worn in the Clark County Fire Department Explorer Program.
*No facial, tongue, or ear piercing will be allowed.
Probationary Explorer Uniform
Inspection/ Daily Uniform
-White Crew Neck T-shirts w/ NO Pocket
-Black Belt w/ Square Silver Buckle
-Navy Blue Dickies
-Black Crew Cut Socks
-Running Shoes Neutral Colors Only No Bright Colors (Yellow, Orange, Blue)
-Black Wrist Watch
PT Clothes
-White Crew Neck Style T-shirts w/ NO Pocket
-Navy Blue Gym Shorts w/ NO Stripe/Logo
-Black Crew Cut Socks
-Running Shoes Neutral Colors Only No Bright Colors (Yellow, Orange, Blue)
-Work Gloves
-Water Bottle
Red Shirt Uniform
Inspection/ Daily Uniform
-Red CCFD Explorer Cap
-Red CCFD Explorer T-Shirt
-Navy Blue Lion 1532 Class B Short Sleeve Uniform Shirt w/ NO Badge Tags
-Clark County Fire Department Explorer Patch Sown Onto Left Arm
-Large Silver Name Badge w/ Black Writing
- [First Initial, Last Name] ex. [J. SMITH]
-2 Silver Black Ink Pens Zebra F-301
-Pocket Spiral Notebook
-Black Basket Weave Belt w/ Square Buckle 1 ¾ inch
-Navy Blue Lion 0130 Class B Uniform Trousers
- Black Crew Cut Socks
-Polished Black Steel/ Kevlar Boots w/ Zipper
-Black Wrist Watch
PT Clothes
-Red CCFD Explorer Cap
-Red CCFD Explorer T-Shirt
-Navy Blue Gym Shorts w/ NO Stripe/Logo
-Black Crew Cut Socks
-Running Shoes Neutral Colors Only No Bright Colors (Yellow, Orange, Blue)
-Work Gloves
-Water Bottle
Testing/Homework Policy
The testing policy is in place to ensure that the material being taught within the program is being received by the Explorer/Probationary Explorer and to hold the Explorer/Probationary Explorer to a standard set forth by the program. The programs testing standards are established following the Nevada State Fire Marshal Firefighter I certification standard.
Testing
The Explorer/Probationary Explorer will be tested upon all material presented within the program. Test material will be provided by lectures, power points, text books, hand outs and hands on instruction.
Explorer/Probationary Explorer will be required to pass all test/quizzes with an 80% or better. In the event of a test failure the Explorer/Probationary Explorer must retake the test. The test/quiz must be passed during the retake with an 80% or better.
Failure to maintain an 80% grade on all tests will result in a failing score and the Explorer/Probationary Explorer will not receive their Nevada Firefighter I certification.
Upon receiving a failure on the retake will result in demotion by one (1) rank, Probationary Explorers will have to restart the probationary explorer program.
Retaking Test
Upon failing a test/quiz, the Explorer/Probationary Explorer will be responsible to make up the test within one (1) meeting. It is the responsibility of the Explorer/Probationary Explorer to inform the Explorer Advisor prior to the start of class or during test make up period. The highest score the Explorer/Probationary Explorer receives on a chapter test will be used as the final score. Failure to inform the Explorer Advisor of a make up test will result in a 0% scoring.
Explorers are allowed three (3) retake tests in a calendar year. Upon three (3) retakes, the Explorer will be demoted one (1) rank within the program.
Probationary Explorers are allowed three (3) retake tests in the 12 week probationary program. Upon three (3) retakes, the Probationary Explorer will be required to restart the probationary program if he/she decides to continue.
An Explorer/Probationary Explorer will be able to use the retakes at his/her discretion to obtain a better grade. Remember to move on through the program and to obtain your Nevada Firefighter I all test must be passed with an 80% or better.
Making Up Missed Test
If an Explorer/Probationary Explorer misses a test due to an excused absence, the Explorer/Probationary Explorer will have an opportunity to make up the test the following meeting in which they missed. It is the responsibility of the Explorer/Probationary Explorer to gather the lecture information and self study prior to the following meeting.
It is the responsibility of the Explorer/Probationary Explorer to inform the Explorer Advisor of the test in which they are required to make up. Failure to inform or complete the make up test on appropriate date will result in a 0% scoring.
Testing Sheets and Scantrons
Test/Quiz may be assigned to be completed on scantron form or hand written. All testing sheets will include; Explorers name, Date, and Chapter/Subject.
All scantron assignments will be completed with a number two pencil. Hand Written test will be completed with a black ink pen.
The Explorer shall ensure his/her name and test information is written legible. (See test form example Page)
Homework
Homework assignments will be assigned to Explorer/Probationary Explorer to increase further knowledge on certain topics.
All homework assignments will be completed in MLS format and be completed as assigned. Explorer/Probationary Explorers are responsible to complete and return the assignment by the completion date.
Explorers failing to complete the homework three (3) times within a calendar year will be demoted one rank from their current position.
Probationary Explorers failing to complete the homework two (2) times within a 12 week training schedule will be dismissed from the program and may restart the program at a later date if he/she decides to do so.