Interested in becoming a firefighter when you grow up?
Become an HFD Explorer!
The Henderson Fire Department Explorer Program is designed for young adults from 16 to 21 years of age who are interested in a career in the fire service or medical field. Enrollment is open to new applicants year-round.
The goal of the HFD explorer program to help young adults gain self-confidence and sharpen skills that will help them succeed in life. The Post emphasizes the importance of education and career development. Many Explorers have gone on to careers with the Henderson Fire Department, Bureau of Land Management Fire Department, Boulder City Fire Department, Nevada Division of Forestry Fire Department, Las Vegas Fire & Rescue, Clark County Fire Department, North Las Vegas Fire Department.
To succeed as an Explorer, a young man or woman must be willing to study, work hard, pay attention, maintain a perfect or nearly perfect attendance record, and maintain a professional appearance, including a professional-looking uniform.
Basic Information
Explorers meet every Thursday (excluding holidays), 4:30pm-9pm at the Henderson Fire Training Center, located at 401 Parkson Rd. (Warm Springs Road east of Gibson Road). Applicants must bring a parent/legal guardian to their first meeting.
Candidates must be between the ages of 16 and 21. Applicants in high school must maintain a 3.0 GPA.
On the first day, bring a pen and paper, clean shaven, no jewelry allowed, dress in white T-shirt, sweat pants (winter) or cotton shorts (summer), and athletic shoes because a part of the orientation will be outside.
An entry test will consist of multiple-choice questions from material handed out after the sixth consecutive meeting, as well as a physical abilities test.
Explorers meet every week to study fire and EMS-related topics. Explorers study "Essentials of Fire Fighting" 6th edition by IFSTA, and spend half their time in the classroom and half on the drill ground.
Explorer Post Programs
Explorers 18 years or older, with a minimum of six months of experience, are eligible to participate in the Ride-Along Program. This program provides young men and women the opportunity to respond with the fire crews to various emergency scenes. Explorers ride along to observe the work of the firefighters and paramedics as they carry out their daily tasks. Explorers are allowed to assist in non-emergency fire ground duties.
Explorers that have an EMT certificate through Southern Nevada Health District are allowed to assist in providing medical aid to sick or injured patients. Explorers assist in performing CPR, oxygen administration, taking vital signs, and preparing patients for transport.
Explorers 16-17 years old may participate in the Job Shadow Program after their sixth meeting. This program allows explorers to shadow a student assistant in the logistics and administration side of the Henderson Fire Department.
For more information on joining the Henderson Fire Department Explorer Post contact Daniel Juarez at Daniel.Juarez@cityofhenderson.com.
Henderson Fire
