Ride Along Program

The purpose of the Sacramento Fire Department Ride-Along Program is to foster community involvement, understanding, and education by providing an opportunity for the public and city employees to gain first-hand experience of the duties and responsibilities of Fire Department personnel.

Program Rules

1. A completed Ride-Along Application shall be submitted at least two (2) weeks in advance of the preferred ride-along date.

2. Submitting a request does not guarantee approval.

3. Date, time, and station preferences shall be accommodated when possible.

4. Participants shall be limited to one ride-along per year. Persons who have never participated in the program shall be given preference over those who have.

5. All persons wishing to participate in the Ride-Along Program must be at least 18 years of age and have no warrants outstanding for their arrest.

6. Participants must have a valid photo id or drivers license with them when reporting for their scheduled ride-along.

7. Participants shall wear neat, clean, and appropriate clothing. Shorts, sweat suits or jogging suits, tank tops, halter tops, or clothing which is faded, torn, soiled or displays offensive language or symbols shall not be allowed.

8. Participants shall be considered observers only, and shall be under the direct supervision of the assigned Department personnel during the ride-along.

9. Participants are to follow the Department personnel’s instruction at all times.

10. Participants shall conduct themselves in a civil and courteous manner at all times.

11. Participants must wear their seat belts at all times while in the vehicle.

12. Participants must remain in the vehicle unless instructed to leave by Department personnel.

13. The ride-along may be terminated at any time due to emergency conditions or failure to comply with directions of Department personnel.

14. In the case of a potentially dangerous or hazardous call, participants may be dropped off at a safe location. If this occurs, Department personnel will give the participant specific instructions and arrange for transportation. Please note that this is for the participant’s safety.

15. Participants must not become involved in any incident Department personnel are handling. This includes discussions of an incident with victims, patients, or witnesses.

16. No tape recordings, cameras, or similar devices are allowed without prior approval from the Fire Chief or his designee.

17. For security and safety reasons, participants are not allowed to handle or use any Department or personnel’s equipment or the equipment in the vehicle.

18. All participants in the Ride-Along Program must read, agree, and abide by all rules and guidelines and complete the Ride-Along Application prior to the ride-along.

19. Failure to comply with any of the above listed rules and guidelines will result in the immediate termination of the ride-along.

Application Procedure

To request a ride-along with Department personnel, applicants must print out, complete and sign the Ride-Along Application. Applications are to be mailed to:

Sacramento Fire Department
Ride-Along Program – Investigations
5770 Freeport Blvd, Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95822