Ride Along

Overview 

The Ride-Along Program allows approved members of the public, students, and potential  employment candidates to observe Colorado River Fire Rescue's operations during scheduled  shifts. The purpose of the program is to promote public education, transparency, and  recruitment by providing firsthand exposure to fire suppression, emergency medical, and  rescue operations. 

All ride-along requests must be submitted by the requesting individual or, if applicable, the  sponsoring organization and are subject to approval by Colorado River Fire Rescue. 

Approval and Assignment 

All ride-along requests are reviewed for completeness and compliance with departmental  policy. Final approval is granted by the Operations Chief or designee. 

Approved participants will be assigned to a Colorado River Fire Rescue preceptor or supervising  personnel. All required documentation will be retained by Colorado River Fire Rescue. 

Ride-along participants are observers only and may not perform operational duties unless  expressly authorized in advance by Colorado River Fire Rescue. 

Supervision and Control 

Ride-along participants are under the direct supervision of assigned personnel and the shift  supervisor at all times. 

• Participants must follow all directions provided by supervisory personnel.
• Participants may terminate their participation at any time and will be returned to the  station at the earliest practical opportunity. 
• Ride-along privileges may be terminated for due cause at the discretion of supervisory  staff. 
• Emergency services will not be delayed or altered to accommodate a ride-along  participant. 

Safety 

The safety of the public, Colorado River Fire Rescue personnel, and ride-along participants is  the highest priority. Any deviation from established procedures or safety expectations may  result in immediate termination of participation and denial of future ride-along opportunities.

Rules and Expectations 

1. Waiver Requirement - All ride-along participants must have a valid Ride-Along Waiver  and Release of Claims on file prior to participation. Waivers are valid for one (1) year  from the date of signature unless revoked earlier by Colorado River Fire Rescue. 
2. Dress Code - Participants must wear appropriate professional attire, including dark  pants, a dark shirt with sleeves and collar, and appropriate closed-toe shoes. Jeans,  shorts, tank tops, t-shirts, or clothing with logos or writing other than approved  identification are not permitted. 
3. Personal Appearance - Visible body piercings are limited to a single earring per ear.  Tattoos may be required to be covered at the discretion of supervisory staff.
4. Reporting Time - Participants must report to the assigned station and shift supervisor at  the designated time. Late arrival or improper attire may result in cancellation.
5. Shift Duration - Ride-along participation will not include overnight stays and will  generally conclude no later than 2200 hours unless otherwise approved. 
6. Medical Disclosure - Participants must disclose any medical conditions or limitations  that could affect safe participation. 
7. Operational Limits - Ride-along participants are observers only and may not participate  in emergency operations, fire training, EMS treatment, or activities involving SCBA or  training facilities. EMS students may operate at the level of their training. 
8. Protective Equipment - Colorado River Fire Rescue does not issue turnout gear to ride along participants. 
9. Recording Devices - Cameras, audio recorders, and video recording devices are not  permitted during calls. 
10. Conduct - Participants may ask questions when appropriate, provided it does not  interfere with operations or safety. 
11. Meals - Participants are responsible for their own meals. Crews will typically buy food  from the grocery store and prepare meals together. The meal's total cost is split evenly  between the crews. Participants are encouraged to participate in meals with the crews.  Participants should either have cash or Venmo available to pay for their share of meals. 
12. Vehicle Operation - Participants may not drive or operate any Colorado River Fire  Rescue equipment. 
13. Frequency Limits - Participation may be limited to prevent repeated or excessive ride along activity. 
14. Insurance - Colorado River Fire Rescue does not provide workers’ compensation, health,  life, or liability insurance coverage for ride-along participants. 
15. Confidentiality - All information observed during emergency responses is confidential  and must not be disclosed. 

Acknowledgment
Participation in the Ride-Along Program is a privilege and may be terminated at any time at the discretion of Colorado River Fire Rescue.