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The Fire and Emergency Services Exploring Program
The Fire and Emergency Services Exploring Program is part of the Greater New
York Councils Exploring Program which, in turn, comes under the umbrella
of the Boy Scouts of America. Exploring gives high school students, aged 14
to
20, the opportunity to gain insight into a fire and emergency services career
and develop a road map for their futures. Students interact with Firefighters
and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics and gain experience
in a work environment. Explorer Post Advisors offer students advice on the
skills, responsibilities and educational requirements for fire and emergency
services
careers.
Exploring provides experiences to help young people mature and prepare to
become responsible and caring adults.
High school students enrolled in the Fire and Emergency Services Exploring
Program will:
- Gain insight into FDNY careers and help develop a road map
for their futures.
- Develop the tools necessary for a successful school-to-career
and school-to-higher-education transition.
- Develop potential contacts
who may broaden students’ employment options
at FDNY.
Exploring's Five Areas of Emphasis
Career Opportunities
• Develop potential contacts who may broaden employment options.
• Boost self-confidence and experience success at school and work.
Life Skills
• Develop physical and mental fitness.
• Experience positive social interactions.
Leadership Experience
• Develop leadership skills to fulfill responsibilities in society.
• Provide exposure to different leadership traits.
Service Learning
• Encourage the skills and desire to help others.
• Gain a keen respect for the basic rights of others.
Character Education
• Help make ethical choices.
• Fulfill one's responsibility to society as a whole
A Program for Career
Education
Youth Benefits
- Stimulate interest in continual career information; provide
insight into future vocation.
- Positive alternative to negative youth
activities, such as drug abuse and involvement with gangs.
- Sense of
acceptance and belonging to the "right" group.
- Safe environment
for adult-like activities.
- Opportunities to participate in practical,
real and meaningful hands-on experiences.
- New career and personal skills.
- Opportunities to try leadership roles and develop new skills.
- Cooperative
relationship between adults and youth.
- Service to others.
The Fire and Emergency Services Exploring Program will
introduce you to many career opportunities within the FDNY, some of which
include:
- Firefighter (Operations)
- Fire Marshal (Fire Investigation)
- EMT (EMS)
- Dispatcher (Communications)
- Inspector (Fire Prevention)
- Instructor (Training and Fire Safety Education)
Some of these positions—such
as Fire Marshal— require a promotion.
The point is, the Fire Department offers more than just
the opportunity to become a Firefighter. Other career choices to consider
include Support Services—such
as Fleet Maintenance —and Administrative and Health Services
positions.
Highlights of what explorers do:
- Attend a meeting once a week.
- Perform a community service assignment (help
others in need).
- Take a field trip visit to a firehouse and/or EMS station.
- Receive instruction
in the operation of Department tools and equipment.
- Meet with other agency
Explorers to share and exchange ideas.
- March (in uniform) in various parades.
- Attend Fire and Emergency trade shows.
- Compete in the following: ladder
raiser, hose advance, search & rescue,
first-aid techniques, (packaging for) non-ambulatory transports
and more.
Everyone Wins With Exploring
- Receive training in CPR.
- Learn basic first aid.
- Receive scholarships and awards.
- Receive classroom training in study and
test-taking skills.
- Participate in physical training, such as basketball, handball and swimming
and health & nutrition education.
Requirements to Join
- At least 14 to 20 years of age and enrolled in a H.S.-College
or G.E.D.
Program.
- Must show and/or demonstrate obedience to parents and adults.
- Proof of ability
to maintain at least a 70% report card average.
- Must be able to attend four
meetings per month.
- Provide a doctor's letter of good health.
How Much Does It Cost The Student?
There is an annual fee of $7, which allows you to register as an Explorer
and take part in as many programs as you wish. This fee covers liability insurance
and administrative fees.
CALL NOW TO JOIN
FDNY Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives Unit (718) 999-FDNY
Contact: Courtney Bistyga, Exploring Executive (212) 651-2891, cbistyga@bsa-gnyc.org
FDNY Contact: Kimberly Perez (718) 999-7012
E-mail: perezk@fdny.nyc.gov
Tarece L. Johnson, Director |
