Students get early start on firefighting career

KTOO reporter Matt Miller learns how to operate a fire hose from his "shadow" firefighter Erik Goldsberry at Hagevig Fire Training Center. Photo by Annie Bartholomew/KTOO
KTOO reporter Matt Miller learns how to operate a fire hose from his “shadow” firefighter Erik Goldsberry at Hagevig Fire Training Center during training for public officials and media in Jan. 2014. (File photo by Annie Bartholomew/KTOO)

The next generation of Juneau firefighters will be recognized Saturday as the first class in a newly resurrected cadet firefighter program.

“We were trying to get, basically, beginning firefighters to maybe point them towards a career that they would like,” says J.K. Mitchell, a senior firefighter in charge of cadet training at Capital City Fire/Rescue.

“Years ago, it faded away,” Mitchell says of the cadet program. “It was a great program. And it just kind of faded way with just lack of manpower to do it.”

Eight cadets between 16 and 18 years old completed the class that started in October and met for four hours every weekend. Another cadet has already turned 18 and transitioned into regular firefighter training. All of them are CPR certified and at least four are certified as an Emergency Trauma Technician, which Mitchell describes as one step below an Emergency Medical Technician.

“They trained a lot on just water supply. (They’re) able to run hoses for us, able to hook up to hydrants for us, doing a lot of stuff with air packs so they’re able to help us with our air packs when we’re in and out of fires,” he says. “So, they’ll be an all-around outside asset to us for manpower.”

Cadets are not allowed to enter structures when responding to calls, but they can help with support duties at the scene. Mitchell says they have to be 18 and have their Fire Fighter 1 state certificate for completion of basic firefighter coursework before they can enter a burning building.

Mitchell says another cadet firefighter class may start up in March and be held in conjunction with other firefighter training. Prospective cadets must be 16, and have their background and driving record checked. And, just like with sports and other activities at the high schools, they must keep up their grades.

Mitchell says the cadet program is great way to get new members, but the department is always looking for adult volunteers in the fire service.

“It’s constantly an open recruit,” he says. “Anybody’s welcome to put an application in. That happens down at (downtown) Station 1 which is the one down by the federal building.”

Cadets will be able to respond to calls after they get their new helmet, tools, and pagers at the Cadet Firefighter Graduation Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Auke Bay Fire Station.

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