Equipment for Explorers

[Drew]

Having just joined an Explorers post at my local FD, I was issued all the regular gear a firefighter would get. However, instead of regular helmets, they want to give us hard hats. I was not too keen with this idea, as these offer no eye protection, or as much as a regular helmet would with a faceshield or goggles. We are also starting a ride along program where the explorers can goto calls on the engines. I feel it is important that we get regular helmets, and not hard hats. Can anyone offer any advice to this situation??

[Rizzo]

As being n explorer for 8 months i can tell u that you really need a helmet not a hard hat. We are issued a full set of turnout gear (helmet, coat, pants, gloves, boots, etc.) Is this explorer post new?

[Brian Book]

I have been an explorer for three years and we dont even get new equiment we get all the old gear from ff who got new gear. And we have to share because there is 12 of us and only a couple full sets. I think you should be happy with what you got. We dont even have a hard hat. So again be thankful for what you got.

Captain Brian Book

[Tillerman]

I was Chief of my local Explorer post for three years and I was able to get gear for my explorers by going to Government Auctions. These Auctions will open the door to the Explorers several days in advance and let the Explorers go in and Take what they want. We were in need of new gear and equipment and we went to a Government auction and were able to pick up 30 sets of brand new gear that was surplus and 30 flashlights and it was all free. You can also get military vehicles, military clothes, etc... and it was all free. I suggest you go do some research into this, and get your Explorers in some gear.

[Rizzo]

Brian, i have a question for you, what r u allowed to do at a call ( just wondering to compare what my explorer post can do?) What explorer post number are you. Im Post #1075

[This message has been edited by Rizzo (edited February 26, 1999).]

[NMFD33]

hmm.. over here in new milford, nj the explorers at Co 2 get a turnout jacket and if lucky even gloves. but down at Co. 1 the give them all but a hard hat instead of a reg helmet. Juniors get it all but we have the gay plastic yellow helmets instead of black new yorkers. explorers may goto a scene here, but provide own transportation,such as the tri-boro we had in jan an explorer was helping with bottles and rehab..if that helps anyone

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New Milford Engine 33
"Pride of The Projects"
Protecting those in the ghetto

[AJ Keech]

Drew,
I have been an explorer for about 2 1/2 years. I have been the Secretary/Treasurer for about 2 years. Are you aware that you are not allowed to fight fire, or help with PI's unless you have full turnout gear? This is a Boy Scout rule. Complain to your advisors, and tell them that you are worried about your safety. Then contact any officers and go as high as the Mayor if you still cant's get the right equipment. I would give the same advice to Ghetto E-33. Not only is it dangerous, but it's illegal. Make sure you tell someone in power, such as the mayor, township supervisor, etc. Captain Brian Cook: I am sure that they are not happy with what they've got, and you should be extrememly upset with the fact that you have to share. The best advice I can give you is what Tillerman told you. Look up several different places where you can get gear. Most departments are willing to give away old gear. You will have to settle for old gear, I gurantee you that. We have new firefighters joining our department all the time, and they get the best gear. Besides, full turnout gear is $1000+.
A.J. Keech
Northern Muskegon Fire Explorers
Explorer Post 9007
Twin Lake, Michigan



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"The brain is the fire's nemesis."

[NMFD33]

once again for Ghetto E-33 here in NJ, our explorers dont respond to calls in the sense of juniors and regulars. therefor they dont need full gear. myself being a junior also i have a ful set of gear,but im also alowed to respond on the trucks...

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Chris Kerrigan
Junior FF,New Milford, NJ
Chief/Pres Fire/Ems Post 402

[i]...KNHS 714[i] to the New Milord Fire Department, we have a report of a fully envolved house fire at...

[Station7Cadet]

I agree, we all need eye protection! You should talk to one of your officers, my depy give us all turtle shells and some have New Yorkers!

[rnd15fd]

we are issued a full set of gear. We get helmets and i usually wear mine but half the time i really dont need it. It all depends on what you are allowed to do at a call. Because for me, i am not allowed to do that much, so i usually where for warmth.

[J_Sexton641_BFD]

I would have to say just be cool and wait you never know maybe your chief is waiting and seeing how many of you young guys will stick it out. He may not want to but four or five new helmets that cost any were from $200 to $400, but if you must have actual firefighting helmets maybe you should have a fundraiser and buy your own


Burgin Explorer Post 600

[DFDL5]

First of all, if you are an explorer, the Boy Scouts require you to have FULL turnout gear(helmet w. shield, coat, pants, boots, gloves and hoods). Plus, without giving you structural firefighting helmets, your department is violating the rules of OSHA and NFPA.