The North Charleston Fire Department (NCFD) Ride-Along Program is designed to provide an opportunity for students, members of the medical community, and on a limited basis, members of the community to observe the dynamic field of firefighting and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). As an observer, the citizens will can gain first-hand experience on what it is like to be a first responder. It also increases the citizen’s knowledge of daily operations and emergency incident mitigation. Citizens may ride-along any day between 9am to 12pm, 1 to 4pm or 5 to 8pm. Citizens must be 16 years of age to participant in the Ride-Along Program. Minors must have a legal guardian signature the release and waiver.
*This service is provided as a privilege at the discretion of the Fire Chief or their designee and may be revoked at any time and for any reason.
Scheduling Your Ride Along
To schedule your ride along, please fill out the Ride Along Form 2023 return it to NCFD Headquarters (2500 City Hall Lane) or email Administrative Specialist Kristin Shippell. Please allow one week to process the request. If you have any questions about the Ride-Along Program or application, please contact NCFD Headquarters at (843-740-2616).
Ride Along Guidelines & Frequently Asked Questions
During your ride along, you are expected to:
• Bring photo ID
• Arrive on time
• Dress appropriately
• Report to the NCFD Headquarters (2500 City Hall Ln, 2nd floor)
What should I wear?
It is essential that you wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. For your safety, you will not be permitted to ride-along if you are not in safe apparel. You will be interacting with the public, so you should be in clean appropriate clothing. For example, a plain sleeved shirt, khaki pants, and comfortable tennis shoes are encouraged. Inappropriate t-shirts, excessively tight or revealing clothing, or unsafe attire is not permitted.
What should I bring with me?
A valid driver’s license or government issued picture identification is required for the ride along paperwork. Dress for the weather and bring appropriate outerwear as required (winter clothing, rain jacket, etc.). It is your responsibility to bring any food or beverages with you in a cooler.
What will I do?
On your ride-along, you will have the opportunity to observe a variety of fire, rescue, and EMS calls. As an observer, you will not be engaged in actual firefighting, rescue or EMS operations. Therefore, there is no need to bring PPE from another department. As stated above, you will be expected to follow the direction of the officer during emergency situations.