The Board may accept specialized membership and wave eligibility and probationary requirements for these types of volunteer positions. This program provides young adults the opportunity to serve the community, to gain a better understanding of a career in the fire service, and to provide future volunteers for the department. The program has been highly successful. The Operations Chief makes the final decision on acceptance of cadet members. This program usually begins with the school year.
Most Cadets are high school students and participate in a wide range of community activities.
Responsibilities range from constructing new home address posts, to assisting paramedics and technicians at medical scenes, to bringing aid in the form of refilling air tanks and providing rest stations for firefighters. Cadets also periodically attend training drills with the firefighters every Tuesday night during the year. The main requirements for volunteers include driving vehicles, attending training drills, and taking medical exams. Driver Requirements Members with less than one year of service are usually not authorized to drive Department vehicles unless exceptions are granted by the Chief. Firefighters must meet requirements specified by the Department.