The Lehigh Acres Fire and Rescue District will not go on the record to say one way or the other if these cadets will ever be used at an active fire or emergency situation.
The Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District is relaunching a Cadet Program that will start on March 4th.
The program’s goal is to teach participants about their profession and provide access to mentors and volunteer opportunities. The initial program is limited to a class of 15 cadets.
“Throughout the program, cadets will meet every week on a Wednesday, for about 2-3 hours. Day one will begin with a physical training session and then to a fire fighter orientation. We will go over things including CPR, first responders. What you do on a medical scene, and all of the equipment on an ambulance such as Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support equipment,” Battalion Chief Lance Delgado said.
When weather permits, cadet instructors will take the classroom outside for education on fire engines, ladder trucks, and how to use a fire hose
“Cadets will receive training and learn everything about the equipment on the fire truck,” Delgado said.
The program is also open to youth who may not be interested in firefighting as a career. Each participant will build on various 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 towards any profession.
According to Delgado, the overall goal of the cadet program is to tap into the talent and potential of youth in Lehigh Acres.
“Lehigh has a lot of great young people. This is good way to tap into our community. We want people to work and stay in our community. This program can help build a team of future first responders in our area,” Delgado said.
Application information is available online at www.lehighfd.com/operations/page/cadet-post-102.