Earlier this year, our department was very fortunate to be awarded a federal grant to replace all of our self-contained breathing apparatus. We recently learned that the High School Cadet program was in need of SCBA to train with. We opted to give the program our old SCBA that was still serviceable. Today, we dropped off 25 Scott SCBAs that will allow the cadets to train for years to come.

The High School Cadet Program first started in 1996 and has been running every year since then. This has been a great vocational education program that allows students to earn certifications towards being an active volunteer and potentially a career in the Fire/EMS field. Over the years, numerous graduates of the program have achieved employment with various career Fire and EMS departments, and have been successful in advancing through the ranks. Additionally, the certifications achieved during the course all equate to college credits.

Does a teenager in your life have an interest in this? The first step is to contact your local station. Pickup the phone. It could lead to a very rewarding path!

Pictured are three of the current cadets with Charles County Fire Chief Kaufmann (Cadet Class 2 graduate), TDVFD Lt. Dennison, TDVFD Chief Hudson (Cadet Class 2 graduate), and Mr. Smith (HS Cadet Coordinator).