Civilian Ride-Along Program

Only one Ride-Along request will be permitted every 90 days by an eligible civilian. This time limit may be waived at the discretion of the Program Coordinator for the purpose of students meeting Ride-Along requirements for related education.

Ride-Along Observers may ride between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday to Saturday. Ride-Alongs are not conducted on Sundays or holidays.  A maximum of eight (8) hours is permitted for a Ride-Along.

Under no circumstances shall a Ride-Along Observer stay overnight at a fire station or enter the sleeping quarters at a fire station.

For those participating in a ride-along on a fire engine:

1. Ride-Along Observers shall act as observers and shall not interfere with any emergency operation and must not become physically or verbally involved in an incident.
2. Ride-Along Observers shall not attempt to assist firefighters with any aspect or routine duties or emergency operations.
3. Ride-Along Observers must follow the direction of the officer on duty at all times including, but not limited to while at Station, on the apparatus and/or on scene of any incident.
4. Unless otherwise directed to by the officer on duty, Ride-Along Observers shall remain in the apparatus cab to eliminate the impeding of operations functions or creating safety issues for him or herself or the Operations crew.
5. At the discretion of the officer on duty, the Ride-Along Observer may be asked to remain at the fire station if an emergency response call is deemed too dangerous or hazardous to ensure the safety of the Ride-Along Observer.
6. The following fire stations will participate in the program: Station 40, Station 44 and Station 45.

For those participating in a ride-along with an Inspector:

Ride-Along Observers shall not interfere with any inspection process and must follow the direction of the Inspector or other Life Safety & Fire Prevention personnel at all times, including, but not limited to, while at the Life Safety & Fire Prevention offices, riding in an Inspector vehicle and/or at an inspection.

Failure to follow these guidelines may result in the Ride-Along Observer being asked to leave the fire station and/or the removal of the privilege to participate in a Ride-Along.

1. Ride-Along Observers shall be neat and clean in appearance.<

2. Ride-Along Observers shall wear suitable attire, including:
-long pants at waist level, preferably dark blue in color, however, blue jeans without holes or tears are acceptable;
-flat, closed-toe and closed-heel shoes that completely cover the foot; and
-a collared shirt or t-shirt.

3. The following clothing items are prohibited:
-dresses;
-shorts;
-capri pants;
-leggings;
-ripped or torn blue jeans or other pants;
-tank tops;
-garments with offensive messages;
-garments that are excessively loose;
-flip flops, sandals, high heels or other open-toed or open-heeled shoes;
-excessive loose jewelry with the exception of a ring or watch; and
-hats or ball caps.

4. Long hair shall be pulled back and tied so as to not interfere with activities.

1. No firearms or other weapons may be brought onto District property or carried during the Ride-Along.
2. No alcoholic beverages or drugs are to be brought onto District property nor consumed prior to the ride.
3. Ride-Along Observers shall wear a seat belt as per State law.
4. At no time will Ride-Along Observers be permitted to take pictures, use a video camera or any other audio-visual recording device while at the scene of an incident.
5. Cellular phones must be kept in silent mode and safely secured.
6. Ride-Along Observers will treat private health information as strictly confidential. Ride-Along Observers agree not to discuss names or persons involved in matters pertaining to recipients of Fire/EMS or related service by North Collier Fire Control and Rescue District to include all personal information including names, medical history and statements gathered. All information shall remain confidential in compliance with federal and state HIPAA and FIPA regulations. Disclosure of private health information is strictly forbidden.
7. The use of tobacco products is not permitted in any station or vehicle.
8. Ride-Along Observers will be responsible for bringing his or her own meals.
9. Ride-Along Observers are expected to act in a manner that reflects a positive image of the District.
10. The Officer-on-Duty may terminate the Ride-Along at any time and for any reason to ensure the safety of the Ride-Along Observer or others.