Administrative
Report
H.13., File # 22-3963 Meeting Date: 4/19/2022
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: KEITH KAUFFMAN, FIRE CHIEF
TITLE
APPROVE A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH LEARNING FOR LIFE, A DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA NON-PROFIT CORPORATION, TO ESTABLISH A FIRE DEPARTMENT EXPLORER PROGRAM AT NO COST TO THE CITY FOR THE TERM EFFECTIVE APRIL 19, 2022 UNTIL
TERMINATED BY EITHER PARTY AND APPROVE RELATED DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING A
WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT, PARENTS WAIVER STATEMENT,
RULES OF CONDUCT FOR FIRE EXPLORER MEMBERS, PARENT CONSENT FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT AND AN ATTENDANCE POLICY.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Redondo Beach Fire Explorer Program is a community outreach effort that introduces local youth (14-20 years old) to the Fire Service. Fire Explorers focus on community service and civic involvement through positive mentoring, training, education, and career development. In this program Redondo Beach Firefighters teach participants recruited from the community twice a month on different aspects of the Fire Department. Participants focus on five areas of core emphasis including career opportunities, leadership, life skills, citizenship, and character education.
BACKGROUND
The Exploring program is an important step in recruiting members from the local community to serve in the Redondo Beach Fire Department. This program allows the Fire Department to engage a target audience as they are starting their career pathways. It also helps students navigate the obstacles that prevent some from becoming firefighters with the insight of professionals. This hands-on learning program also allows participants to understand firsthand what it means to do the job with firefighters working in their community. This is a critical step in cultivating and recruiting future employees.
One element addressed in the recent assessment of the Fire Department discusses creating opportunities for community engagement outside of emergency response. In alignment with that goal, recommendation #19 directs the Fire Department to establish a Fire Explorer program. This MOU starts that process.
Fire Explorers provide a vital link in the education of youth who are looking at different career options but have not found exactly what they want to do. This takes education beyond the classroom and allows students to gain experience as firefighters before investing the time and resources necessary to enter the testing process. Other regional fire departments hosting Fire Explorer programs include Torrance, Glendale, Santa Fe Springs, Montebello, LA City Fire, and the Los Angeles County Fire
H.13., File # 22-3963 Meeting Date: 4/19/2022
Torrance, Glendale, Santa Fe Springs, Montebello, LA City Fire, and the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
COORDINATION
The Fire Department has reviewed the MOU and participant waiver and release forms with the City Attorney’s Office. Proof of the program insurance was coordinated with the Risk Manager.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct cost to adopt this MOU. Future costs of this program consist of uniforms for participants and staff time committed to the project. A grant secured through the Kevin Wojack Foundation will help cover program costs.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. MOU Exploring Program
2. Release Forms for Fire Explorer Program
3. General Liability Policy
4. Certificate of Liability Insurance