Program Overview

The Cadet program’s purpose is to provide fire technology students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA’s) for a career in the fire service as a professional firefighter. The program creates an opportunity for students to continue their development in training, teamwork, leadership, and program management.

Management Oversight

The cadet program is directed by the Division Chief of Training with oversight authority delegated to the Battalion Chief and program coordinator. This program does not have any full-time equivalent employees. This program contains expenses pertaining to general supplies and equipment purchases and overtime for training and program administration.

Goals and Objectives

• Mentor and manage up to eighteen cadets annually, overseeing their participation in weekly 24-hour shifts, monthly training sessions, District activities, and community service projects.
• Conduct training drills focused on fireground operations and prepare cadets for the fire department interview process.
• Perform biannual evaluations to assess cadet performance, progress, and development.
• Organize and execute a recruitment process to select incoming cadets for the program.

FY2023-24 Accomplishments

• Assisted three out of seven cadets in securing conditional job offers.
• Successfully recruited and on-boarded seventeen new cadets.
• Conducted monthly training drills and orientation sessions.
• Completed and documented all cadet performance evaluations.

FY 2024-25 Program Initiatives

• Provide Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) to cadets to enhance their chances of securing employment, focusing on essential competencies required for the fire service.
• Conduct safe, effective, and efficient psychomotor and cognitive training drills, ensuring cadets develop both practical skills and critical thinking abilities for real-world scenarios.
• Complete bi-annual evaluations of each cadet's performance, providing constructive feedback and identifying areas for improvement to ensure continuous growth and readiness for future employment opportunities.