Explorer Post 101

Explorer Post 101

The mission of the City of Riverside Fire Department Explorer Post 101 is to provide education, training, and a strong positive work ethic to further prepare Fire Explorer Cadets for a career in the Fire Service.

The Explorer program is designed to build character and develop leadership skills that will help Explorers as they advance within the Post and prepare for academies as well as other career opportunities. By participating in the Fire Explorer Program, the individual will gain personal confidence, learn to use firefighting equipment, develop mechanical skills, and increase their physical fitness level as well as their knowledge of the Fire Service.

Post 101 meets every Wednesday evening at the City of Riverside Fire Department’s Training Facility which is located at 3085 St. Lawrence. The meetings are from 5:45 pm to 9:00 pm. Some exceptions are holidays, winter break and special circumstances.

We recruit and test only twice a year, the first Wednesday in March and the first Wednesday in September. We have 30 positions available which varies from year to year. If we are full, you may be placed on a waiting list for the upcoming recruitment period. We do not accept new recruits in between the recruitment periods. The new recruits or "Training Division" all test and progress together. It is very difficult to add a new recruit and try to get them caught up. We have a dynamic yet fast paced 6 month training program for the new recruits. After 6 months, all Explores in the Training Division complete a written and manipulative exam. After passing the exams, Training Division Explores promote to the Operations Division. The program is governed by Learning for Life, a division of the Boy Scouts of America. There is a minimal startup fee of around $160. This goes toward insurance, patches, misc. supplies & equipment.

The Post's Advisory staff is made up of current and retired City of Riverside Fire Department personnel who volunteer their time to participate in the program. If you are interested in the program or have questions concerning the recruitment process, please feel free to email the Post Advisors. The Post Advisors will be happy to give you a tour of the Training Facility and answer any of your questions.

Explorer Post 101 Advisors:

Tim Odebralski - todebralski@riversideca.gov
Jeff Lewis - jlewis@riversideca.gov

Candidates for the position of Fire Explorer must meet the following requirements:

• Be of ages 14 to 21
• Complete the Application Packet which is turned in on Wednesday’s recruitment night
• Payment of $150 upon passing the recruitment process
• Have no serious arrests or convictions.
• Maintain a 2.0 GPA and provide a copy of most recent grade report
• Must be able to arrange transportation to the weekly meetings and or events
• Be free of any physical defects that could cause injury to themselves or others
• Must present themselves with fire service grooming standards
• Pass the Written Exam which is given on Wednesday’s recruitment night
• Pass the Physical Ability Test which is given on the Saturday after recruitment