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Introducing the youth of Los Angeles County to today’s fire and emergency medical services, emphasizing community service and civic involvement through positive mentoring, training, education and career development. |
The Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) Explorer Program, a joint venture with “Learning for Life”, is designed for young adults 15-20 years of age who are interested in learning about a career in the fire service.
The Explorer Program is comprised of 22 Posts centrally located in each Battalion. Post size is limited to 25 Explorers, led by a professional firefighter known as an Explorer Post Adviser.
After meeting the program’s entrance requirements, Explorers will be given an opportunity to qualify for a 12-day training academy held on six consecutive weekends. At the academy, they will be trained on firefighting skills, hose lay evolutions, ladder techniques, salvage operations, wildland firefighting procedures, proper use of firefighting tools and equipment, breathing apparatus use, and other related subjects.
Upon graduation from the academy, Explorers will be qualified to ride along on an engine, truck or paramedic squad and respond to actual fire and medical emergencies. During these ride-alongs, Explorers will use the training they received in the academy to assist Department personnel at emergency incidents and participate in other station activities and duties.
In addition to attending weekly meetings, Explorers are also involved in various community service activities. Some of these activities include staffing booths at safety fairs, city functions, and demonstrations for public education events.
Since 1975, LACoFD firefighters have enthusiastically volunteered their time and experience to help educate teenagers and young adults. Through this unique program, many Explorers have joined the ranks of the fire service and are living the career of their dreams.
Fill out the interest form below to begin your Explorer journey! |
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