Explorers

Welcome to SDCFPD Explorers!

For some teens, SDCFPD’s Explorer Program will be the first step in a career in the fire service, whether volunteer or paid.  We believe that as an active participant in this program, teens are the future of this fire district and the heroes of tomorrow.  When people do not know where to turn for help, quite often their response is to call local fire/rescue.  They expect us to fix their emergency, or to at least make things better for them.  Therefore, the firefighter has traditionally performed many tasks other than just fighting actual fires and is held in high regard by many in the community.

Explorers Mission Statement

 Our mission is to maintain a safe environment for the youth of our community, to gather for learning many aspects of the fire service as well as provide avenues for social interaction; to build each Explorer up to their potential by focusing on leadership, character, team work and the community while providing an active and enjoyable program for our members, their family, and the youth of Dallas County.

What Can I Expect from the Program?

As an Explorer, you will meet many new people – not just here in our agency, but all over the region, as we interact with other fire departments, emergency medical services, law enforcement partners, and other community service programs.

A large part of the fire service is non-stop training.  We conduct monthly trainings for firefighting as well as emergency medical response, and the Explorers train right alongside our regular firefighters, learning fire suppression techniques, basic life-support skills, and numerous other qualities.

At times, the Explorers perform community service, from helping the elderly with basic tasks they are struggling to get done, to collecting food for canned food drives, or singing Christmas carols to the residents of a nursing home.  Whenever an opportunity arises, the Explorers are quick to answer the call.

The Explorers’ motto is: “Honor, Courage, Teamwork, Dedication”.  These elements are what we’ve built the program on.  Explorers learn how to honor each other, our staff, and the general public.  They’re taught to progress with courage in all they do, and that in the fire service, we can only accomplish our goals through teamwork.  We place a great emphasis on dedication, as we strive – together – to successfully cross the finish line.

In the Explorers program, the structure is patterned after our Fire District: officers and command staff.  The Explorers officers consist of a chairperson, a treasurer and a secretary.  Command staff positions are Commander, Deputy Commander, Captain and Lieutenant.  Promotions are based on the following:

* Attendance

* Overall Participation

* Maintained GPA

* Dedication

* Demonstration of Leadership Skills

* Ability to Work Well With Others

We will provide you with t-shirts, a polo shirt, a dress shirt (“Class A”), a hat, winter jacket, gloves and a helmet.  Additionally, as available, you’ll be assigned a set of turnout gear (firefighter pants, coat and boots) a gear bag, and a handheld two-way radio.

We have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to harassment, intimidation, and bullying.  Our policy is very strict on these issues and any occurrence will be dealt with swiftly.  Additionally, we do not tolerate any inappropriate materials, images, videos, or talk, foul language, tobacco, drugs, or alcohol.  Our Explorers are trained to hold each other in the highest regard, and to treat each other with the utmost respect and dignity.  And, the Explorers – just like our adult staff – are covered by our insurance policy in the event of accident or injury.

In all that we do, we have fun.  We are confident that you will enjoy being part of this program and look forward to having you join our family.

To download a PDF application that you can print and submit, click HERE.