The City of Downey Fire Department's volunteer program includes the Auxiliary Firefighter and Explorer Programs. The Auxiliary Firefighter Program was started in 1987 as a way to allow fire academy graduates an opportunity to acquire on-the-job training and experience. The Downey Fire Department Explorer Post # 641 is operated in conjunction with Learning for Life to allow young adults an opportunity to learn about a career in the Fire Service.

Auxiliary Firefighter

The City of Downey Fire Department Auxiliary Firefighter Program began in 1987 with the goal of allowing fire academy graduates an opportunity to acquire on-the-job training and experience. Since its inception, the Auxiliary Firefighter Program has helped many people achieve their goal of a career in the fire service. Approximately 24 of the full-time firefighters actively serving with the Department participated in Downey’s Auxiliary Firefighter Program prior to being hired; and 22 were Auxiliary Firefighters with other departments.

The Auxiliary Firefighter Program is designed to provide fire academy graduates the experience and training needed to meet the requirements for their State Fire Marshal Firefighter I certification. Auxiliary Firefighters have the same duties and responsibilities of probationary firefighters and respond on emergency calls as part of the ALS Squad, BLS Engine Company or the BLS Truck Company. Currently there are 21 active Auxiliary Firefighters.

Auxiliary Firefighter Requirements

The minimum requirements for a position as an Auxiliary Firefighter are as follows:

• 18 years of age or older
• Valid California Drivers License with a good driving record
• Valid CPR Certification / Card
• Valid EMT Certification with a County in California (i.e. Los Angeles, Orange, etc)
• Graduation from a California State Fire Marshal Accredited Fire Academy
• Ability to make a two year commitment to the Program
• Ability to volunteer weekly for one twenty-four hour shift (on an assigned day)

Hiring Process

1. Openings: Job openings are posted on http://www.firecareers.com

2. Application Process: During open exam period, applications available at:

   Downey Fire Station # 1
   12222 Paramount Blvd.
   Downey, CA 90242

   Applications that are incomplete, lack minimum requirements, and/or submitted late will be rejected

3. Interview Process: All applicants will receive an oral interview (Pass or Fail)

4. Physical agility: Multiple circuit training events and a distance run (Pass or Fail)

5. Training Period: Mini-Tower (3-4 days) for Downey FD equipment orientation

6. Background check

7. Selection: Auxiliary selection based on combination of interview, physical agility, tower performance and attitude

Contact Information

For more information on the Auxiliary Firefighter Program, please contact the Auxiliary Coordinator at DFDAuxiliaryFirefighter@downeyfire.org.

Explorer Program

Downey Fire Department Explorer Post # 641 is a program designed for young adults from ages 16 to 21 years of age who are interested in learning about a career in the Fire Service. The program is jointly administered with Learning for Life; an organization whose goal is to help youths formulate positive personal values through character development and career education.

The Explorer Program meets every Thursday night at Downey Fire Station #1 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm (excluding holidays); and periodically on Saturdays and Sundays for scheduled drills. Explorers may also participate in other training activities including local multi-agency drills, a statewide Explorer academy, and/or federal wildland fire academy.

Explorers are introduced and education on various Fire Service subjects including:

1. Fire Suppression
2. Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment
3. Safety
4. Extinguishers
5. Hoselays
6. Ladders
7. Breathing Apparatus
8. Emergency Medical Service
9. Vehicle Extrication
10. Ropes and Knots
11. Wildland Firefighting
12. Incident Command System
13. Swiftwater Rescue
14. Rope Rescue
15. Urban Search and Rescue

Explorer Requirements

The requirements for the Downey Fire Department Explorer Program are as follows:

• Ability to participate in physical fitness exercises including but not limited to running, pushups, sit-ups, and multi-task agility courses.
• Participation in public education activities.
• Contribute $5.00 per month to cover cost of Learning for Life Registration fees and maintain a fund to support Explorer Activities

The recruitment process includes but is not limited to the application process, interview, and physical ability test. After 6 months and completion of the training subjects listed above, an Explorer may ride-a-long on an engine, truck or paramedic squad responding to actual fire and medical emergency incidents.

Explorer Application

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