Ride Along Policy

Ride Along Policy

Purpose
The purpose of the Ride Along Program is to provide the public, which the North County Fire Protection District serves, the opportunity to observe the daily and alarm activities of the Fire Department. The Ride Along Program also gives the public the opportunity to get to know the firefighters on a more personable basis.

The program is intended as an educational endeavor to acquaint our citizens with the problems encountered by firefighters today. We feel that if people are permitted to observe the field activities of the Fire Department, as they occur, they will have a better understanding of the duties and responsibilities of firefighters.

Excessive use of the program is strongly discouraged.

Procedure to Follow
1. Either come in to Headquarters Station One in Castroville and fill-out a Ride-Along Application & Waiver packet, or simply download the packet here. Remember to download the Ride Along Policy, too! Participants are required to fully understand our policy before being allowed on an engine.
2. Applicant must select a date and time for a ride along at least five (5) days from application.
3. Application will be reviewed by a Chief Officer. If application is rejected, applicant will be notified that the ride along is cancelled. If application is accepted, arrive at the assigned fire station and report to the Officer in Charge.

Eligibility
1. Must be at least sixteen (16) years of age or older.
2. If a minor, the waiver form must be signed by a parent or guardian. This signature will be verified by the Chief who reviewed the application.
3. Applicants between the ages of 16 to 18 must have a public service or agency affiliation (sponsor) to participate in the ride along program. Example includes, but are not limited to, high school job shadowing programs, work experience, or occupational training programs, etc.

Rules
1. Be of good character, not likely to endanger the safety of the public, firefighters, or yourself.
2. Dress should be neat, clean, and conservative.
3. No alcoholic beverages or drugs are to be consumed prior to the ride. The smell of alcohol/marijuana or suspicion of any drug use will prohibit you from participating.
4. Cameras and recording devices will not be permitted outside the fire station.
5. No firearms or other weapons may be brought onto fire department property or carried during the ride along.
6. Be in good health. No one with a severe cold or illness will be permitted to participate.
7. Ride alongs are permitted on any day of the week but must be between the hours of 8:00 a.m and 5:00 p.m. Ride-Along participants are not allowed to remain at the station after 5:00 p.m.

Rules to Follow While Riding Along
1. Participants shall follow the directions given to them by firefighters.
2. Participants shall not interfere with firefighters while in the performance of their duties.
3. Participants shall remain in the fire engine unless told otherwise by the firefighters.
4. Wear your seat belt whenever the vehicle is in motion. This is a department rule.
5. You are only an OBSERVER, that is, you must not become physically or verbally involved in an incident unless directed by a firefighter.
6. You will be required to wear fire district issued outer clothing (turnout jacket & helmet) which clearly identifies you as an observer. It is recommended that participants wear lace up boots.
7. The equipment inside the fire engine will be explained to you. Do not touch any of this equipment unless explicit instructions are given.
8. If you expect to ride two (2) hours or more, either bring a sack meal or money to purchase a meal and beverage.
9. You may be asked to evaluate the North County Protection Fire District and its ride along program. If so, you will be given an evaluation form. Please complete it before leaving your scheduled time.