Is There a Diff. Between a junior and Explorer?

[VFF16]

Hello,
I just joined my local VFD as a junior FF. Upon research, I realized that my local VD does a junior program and not explorer. What is the difference between an explorer & a jr? Is there a difference? I am not intierly sure that VA has explorers. I heard that junior requirements, age wise, are generally higher than the age requirements ( in my county 16-17) for an explorer but jr fire fighters can do more jobs than an explorer. For example the only things I'm not aloud to do is enter a structure fire, drive, operate hydronic machinery, and of course whatever my superior says I can't do. But some explorers aren't aloud to ride on emergency vehicles, report to any fire related emergencys, etc.

[mikeyboy411]

Check http://www.firehouse.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117214 (Can you go to any call you want to?) and you will see there is a difference however, it depends on where you are at.

[st42stephenAFT]

Generally, Explorers are the youngest members. Around here, it's age 14-18 you can be an explorer. When you turn 16, you can join a company as a junior ff (you can also stay active in the explorer post if you wish). Then at 18 you go through the academy, and are a firefighter.

For my department, there was a few main differences between explorers and juniors.

- Explorers fall under Boy Scouts of America rules and insurance, and aren't a member of the fire department. They (used to be able to) ride along on calls to watch what goes on, participate in company drills (to a limited extent), have their own explorer drills and meetings, and go on explorer trips. There was no requirement for making calls, drills or meetings.

- Juniors were actual members of the company, so they fall under the company's insurance. This allows them to ride on calls (do anything except wear an SCBA and go into a hazardous structure), participate in drills (doing everything except operate power tools and go on air), and attend company meetings. Since juniors are actual members, they are now responsible for making their percentages of calls, meetings and drills. They also receive a key to the firehouse, and a pager.

[VFF16]

Generally, Explorers are the youngest members. Around here, it's age 14-18 you can be an explorer. When you turn 16, you can join a company as a junior ff (you can also stay active in the explorer post if you wish). Then at 18 you go through the academy, and are a firefighter.

For my department, there was a few main differences between explorers and juniors.

- Explorers fall under Boy Scouts of America rules and insurance, and aren't a member of the fire department. They (used to be able to) ride along on calls to watch what goes on, participate in company drills (to a limited extent), have their own explorer drills and meetings, and go on explorer trips. There was no requirement for making calls, drills or meetings.

- Juniors were actual members of the company, so they fall under the company's insurance. This allows them to ride on calls (do anything except wear an SCBA and go into a hazardous structure), participate in drills (doing everything except operate power tools and go on air), and attend company meetings. Since juniors are actual members, they are now responsible for making their percentages of calls, meetings and drills. They also receive a key to the firehouse, and a pager.

Thanks for the reply that is how it is here too. Except we have no explorers. We have to follow the minimum requirments of 30 hours a month and one night shift a week beccause we do shifts.

[st42stephenAFT]

Thanks for the reply that is how it is here too. Except we have no explorers. We have to follow the minimum requirments of 30 hours a month and one night shift a week beccause we do shifts.

Each department runs differently. Just make sure you know what is expected of you from your department, and get it done! Be there to learn and get as much knowledge as you can. Trust me, having time in as an explorer/junior definitely helps when it comes time to go to the academy. If you use your time now wisely, you'll be way ahead of the curve in the classes you'll take to get your certs!