The Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District is relaunching Cadet Post 102, a youth-oriented program focusing on the vocational study of professional firefighting. The program was originally launched in March of 2020, but meetings were halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With safety precautions in place, the advisors are looking forward to welcoming cadets back to the program.
The Cadet Program advisors will teach participants about their profession and provide access to mentors and volunteer opportunities. The youth-oriented program will prepare cadets for a professional career in firefighting and emergency medical services through classroom and hands-on learning.
The program is also open to youth who may not be interested in firefighting as a career. Cadets will build many different skill sets throughout their tenure in the program, building a solid foundation for a successful future in any field. Pride, commitment, courage, leadership, teamwork, integrity, self-discipline are applicable and useful life skills to develop for many professions.
“Our Fire Cadet Program will offer youth and young adults an opportunity to experience life as a firefighter and learn about our team,” stated Chief DiLallo. “The program has many benefits, but most importantly gives cadets a feeling for what it’s like to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Ideally, some cadets will choose to remain here and serve their community.”
Each Cadet will learn mental and physical wellness, a sense of self-responsibility, personal growth, leadership, discipline, teamwork, and fire prevention skills.
The program is open to participants between the ages of 14 and 20 years old. A mandatory orientation meeting is scheduled for April 14, 2021 at 6:00pm at Station 104. Meetings are tentatively planned to occur bi-weekly, based on the number of cadets and social distancing requirements. Application information is available online at https://www.lehighfd.com/operations/page/cadet-post-102.
