The purpose of the Explorers Program is to provide our youth with a comprehensive understanding of fire Service. Members will learn skills and cultures of the fire service with complete inclusion of diversity and mindset of the profession.
Boynton Beach Fire Rescue C.A.R.E.S
The Fire Explorer Program is designed for young adults between the ages of 14 – 18 who are interested in learning about a career in the fire service. Fire Explorers participate in community service projects, city events, competitions, fundraisers and other various activities throughout the year. Additionally, the Explorer Program provides young adults with the sense of responsibility to their neighborhood through ongoing community related activities.
Members attend meetings twice a month which allow them to learn about the fire service under the guidance of trained professional firefighters. Each member is issued a uniform and bunker gear that they will use during training at the fire department. Members who have achieved proper training may be eligible to participate in the department’s Ride-along Program, which matches qualified Explorers with career firefighters. The Ride-along Program enables explorers to ride on shift and see the job “up close and personal”. This allows them to go on calls and gain insight on what it takes to do the job.
Each year the Post will participate in Firematics competitions, which takes place in Daytona Beach, FL during the annual Fire Service Leadership weekend and the Fire Rescue East conference sponsored by the Florida Chiefs Association.
Meetings will be held on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at Fire Station 5, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Cadets will receive:
*The opportunity to develop skills, knowledge and abilities in preparing for emergency service careers.
*Training from fire officers, paramedics, firefighters and fire inspectors.
*Basic firefighting skills and first responder training.
*Ride-along opportunities with Fire and EMS units.
*Teamwork, self-confidence and leadership skills.
Each member will be given a training booklet that outlines and details the necessary requirements for proficiency in assigned skills along with a rules and regulations manual that outlines code of conduct and privacy disclosures.
- Members will be monitored by their instructions for proficiency in tasks along with coaching for areas of improvement. Members will also be recognized for outstanding performance, displays of leaderships, and skills performance.
- Demerits will be issued against a member for a fault or offense committed based on a point system. For each offense or fault committed, the member will receive 1demerit point. 10 total points will be grounds for elimination from the program. Violations that will earn a demerit are as follows:
- Unexcused absences that result in less than 50% attendance
- Violation of any city or department rules
- Insubordination (defiance of authority, refusal to obey orders from instructors as well as squad leaders)
- Two or more tardies
- Any violence towards a fellow member, instructor or member of the public will result in automatic elimination from the program** This is a zero tolerance policy
- Must be between 14-18 years of age or a senior in high school.
- Maintain a 2.5 GPA
- Have no prior criminal record (even expunged records)
- Must maintain a 50% or greater attendance, detail and ride requirement
- Participation in annual city events
- Perform community service by attending street cleanups, Fire Station open houses, public education events and various city community or fundraising events.
If you are interested in learning more about the Explorer Program, please email
GrantK@bbfl.us.
Additional information can be found on the Boynton Beach Fire Rescue Explorer Post 343 Facebook page.
