Post 9244 - Organization and History

The Oxnard Fire Explorer post is the only fire explorer post in Ventura County. Oxnard Fire Explorer Post 9244 was founded in October 1994 and had 31 charter fire explorers start the first academy.

The first academy class graduated in July 1995 with 17 fire explorers being appointed to ride-a-long status. Each fire explorer is given a station assignment.

Fire Explorers have been instrumental in many ways both to the department and the community. In the short time that fire explorers have been in the city, we have gained recognition as a quality youth group from persons in city government, the community, and other fire departments.

A committee of sworn fire department personnel runs the Explorer Post. The chain of command is as follows:

• Fire Explorer Chief
• A-Shift Captain
• B-Shift Captain
• C-Shift Captain
• Explorer

The Fire Explorer Chief, and Shift Captains are considered E Board Members. These individuals make decisions and plan activities for the rest of the post.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under direct supervision, a fire explorer participates in a basic fire training curriculum, assists firefighters with various support activities during emergencies, and provides direct assistance during fire prevention and public education activities. After completion of the Oxnard Fire Explorer Basic Academy explorers will do the following:

• Respond to alarms
• Load and roll hose
• Replace spent air bottles
• Assist with other fire ground duties that are deemed non-hazardous
• Assist firefighters with medical and rescue calls
• Maintain fire station and grounds
• Attends monthly meetings and drills
• Study fire related technical manuals

Requirements to Apply

• Must be between the ages of 15 and 21
• Live within Ventura County, Oxnard City is preferred
• Attending High School or Graduate
• Have a 2.0 GPA or greater by application deadline
• Must have a positive attitude and willingness to learn

Requirements for Consideration

• [Submit Application]  -     (1.13 MB)
• Pass a Written Exam
• Pass Physical Agility
• Pass Oral Interview

Ride-a-Long Certification Requirements

• Must complete 40 hour Basic Fire Exploring Academy
• Must pass all written exams with a score of at least 80% (If an explorer scores below 80% on three tests, the explorer will be dropped from the academy.)
• Complete Physical Abilities Test.
• Pass written final exam with at least 80%
• Demonstrate the ability to identify equipment and place equipment into service
• Demonstrate by verbal and written means, a thorough knowledge of the Oxnard Fire Department
• Demonstrate a good understanding of OFD Rules and Regulations
• Demonstrate good working knowledge of daily fire station routines, including reasons and how to perform routine maintenance.
• Only Ride-a-long explorers will be eligible for the California Fire Exploring Academy!

California Fire Explorer Academy [ www.cfea.net ]
(for existing explorers ONLY!)

Each year, Post 9244 is invited to the California State Fire Exploring Academy. It is hosted by different fire departments throughout the state, and sponsored by the California Fire Exploring Association. Each post applying to the academy is allotted only 5 spots each year, with the size of the academy around 160. Previous academies have seen a number of posts throughout the state of California as well as Nevada, and even Alaska!

The academy is one week long and covers multiple fire service topics including fire Control 3 (Structural), Fire Control 4 (Oil/Flammable Liquids), Fire Control 6 (Wildland Fires), and Auto Extrication. Traditionally, the academy starts the day after Easter and runs for 7 days. It concludes with a formal graduation and awards ceremony.

2010 Calendar of Events

Updated by Chad Carroll

Wednesday, July 7th- Fire Explorer Recruitment Orientation 7pm Fire Station #1

Sunday, July 18th – Explorer Recruit Test Day 9am – 5pm (latest) Fire Station #1

Acceptance letters to be out before July 26th, 2010.

A one week Academy, in August, dates to be determined – New Recruit Fire Academy. Must be accepted!

Saturday, following Academy in August – Explorer Academy Graduation Ceremony 10am

Wednesday, July 7th - Introduction/Parent Orientation/General Membership Meeting

- The orientation/meeting will be held at Station 1 (491 South K Street - on the corner of Fifth and K Street, Behind Vons). The E-board meeting will be held at the usual time (1800 hrs.). Anyone interested in joining the post needs to show up at the station by 1900 hrs. (7pm)! Applications will be handed out during the orientation. New explorers please park outside the station and walk to the classroom in the back lot.

Saturday, July 18th - New Explorer testing/Drill Day (0900 – no later than 1700)

- All new explorers are to report to Station 1 (491 South K Street - on the corner of Fifth Street and K Street) by 0900 hrs (9am)! You will be doing some running, so please wear the appropriate clothing (shirt, shorts or sweat pants, running shoes). You should also bring along some water to drink during breaks. All existing explorers are to report to the station at 0800 hrs. for setup and assignments.

* Only for those people that have been formally accepted.* 

California Fire Explorer Academy 2008