Background

The Ross Valley Fire Department Explorer Post is chartered through the Boy Scouts of America and insured through Learning For Life. The Explorer Post’s purpose is to provide a positive environment that promotes the involvement of young adults in the local communities of Ross, San Anselmo, Sleepy Hollow, and Fairfax, along with neighboring or outside communities.   

The RVFD’s Explorer Post program encourages enthusiastic, curious, and civic-minded young adults to explore the fire service as a career opportunity by providing staffing and technical information. Therefore, one of the most critical aspects of the Explorer program is the training and the skills Explorers develop throughout their enrollment. While Explorers have no salary or pay, the volunteer experience and knowledge gained are without comparison.

RVFD strives to bring the Explorers to higher education and experience through training exercises that include cognitive and manipulative skills. Some of the training exercises include: 

• pulling hose lines
• raising ladders
• building rope rescue systems
• fire line construction
• wildland fire fighting hose lays

Upon completion of a training task book, Explorers ride along on the engine company, responding to all types of emergency incidents. The more training and skills an Explorer acquires, the greater the responsibility during emergency incidents.

RVFD has hired many former Explorers as full-time, professional firefighters; others have become seasonal firefighters with Marin County Fire Department, CALFire, and other fire departments or private industries.

Application Process And Requirements

If you are interested in learning more, complete the form below or email RVFDExplorers@rossvalleyfire.org. 

If you are ready to apply and meet the age requirements (16-21 years old), please complete the Learning for Life Application and the Informed Consent Form and email as attachments to RVFDExplorers@rossvalleyfire.org.  If you are under 18 years old, complete the “Youth Application,” and anyone over 18 years old, complete the “Adult Application.” If selected, you will participate in an oral interview. Once accepted to the program, informed consent, medical release agreement, and authorization must be signed.

While there is no residency requirement, local students have priority, and Explorers must maintain a “C” average. 

Though the application is free, Explorers must purchase firefighter "station" boots once accepted to the program, and RVFD will provide all other uniforms and equipment.

Drills start at 8:30 am every Sunday, and training ends at approximately 12:00 pm. 

If you are interested in other local Explorer posts, visit the California Fire Explorer website for other post locations.

Explorer Academy

Annually in April, the Explorer Post participates in a one-week firefighting academy sponsored by the California Fire Exploring Association and the Boy Scouts of America.  Every year a different fire department in California hosts the Academy.  The annual Academy is an intensive week in which Explorers learn the basics of:

1. Wildland firefighting
2. Structural firefighting
3. Rescue techniques and systems
4. Flammable liquid firefighting
5. Vehicle extrication 

The Academy is an excellent way to truly test the desire of the Explorer to pursue firefighting as a career.

For inquiries, complete the form below or email RVFDExplorers@rossvalleyfire.org

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