The City of Coral Gables Fire Department offers an instructive program for high school students between 14 and 18-years-old. This 10-week-long training program allows students to explore what it truly means to be a firefighter.
This program combines instructional coursework, community service opportunities, physical training, and hands-on experience in essential firefighting techniques.
Additionally, students will complete a CPR course, Emergency Medical Response Course, Station Etiquette & Equipment Familiarization, and Physical Training.
The program is designed to be challenging, pushing cadets to step outside their comfort zone while developing emergency response skills, discipline, and resilience, all of which are necessary if cadets choose to pursue a career in the field of emergency services.
In light of the recent Los Angeles fires, everyone everywhere is more aware than ever of the importance of having the adequate resources and properly trained personnel to fight fires and save lives.
Students enrolled in the program are only permitted one absence and two tardies over the 10-weeks, and must earn a passing score of 80% on all exams, while maintaining a GPA of 2.0 or higher at their respective high school.
Though demanding, this program is enriching for cadets in many ways.
Hector Gutierrez, a cadet on the team, shared the benefits of participating in this program and what it consists.
“This program has given me the opportunity to learn and gain experience that most people my age don’t have. I’m currently more advanced as a cadet than EMT students just starting their training.
This not only increases my chances of being accepted into EMT School but also greatly enchanted my college resume, as I’ve received a total of 962 service hours from this program alone.
This experience has truly solidified my career choice, it’s important to know what you’re passionate about before you go to school for it.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as a cadet because I’ve had the opportunity to give back to my community, and helping others has always been something I deeply value.
The most recent thing we did to give back to our community was host a car wash fundraiser. I enjoyed it because I was helping people while raising money for a good cause. “
Another cadet, Lucas Giménez Sánchez, shared more details.
“For the first part of the program, we met once a week for an hour of physical conditioning. Then, we moved into the classroom to prepare for our Emergency Medical Response Certification Exam.
Once we’ve passed the exam, the program focused more on what it’s like to be a firefighter. Now we get to do all kinds of drills, like putting on complete gear under a time constraint and having to put out a grease fire. “
One of the Royal Courier’s editors, senior Miguel Suarez Cabal, is pleased in being a fire cadet.
“I’m so glad I made the decision to join this program. I’ve learned a lot, gained invaluable experience, and have been able to give back to my community.
Since starting the program, my physical health has significantly improved. It was challenging at first because the program demands a lot of resilience and dedication, but I think if it weren’t for the friendships and relationships I’ve formed, I would’ve quit. “
This Coral Gables Fire Cadet Program gives high school students a great opportunity to explore the field of firefighting. Between its rigorous physical training and real-world experience, cadets leave the program with invaluable experience, both personally and physically.
This program has helped lots of students decide what they are passionate about and has allowed them to make a lasting impact on the lives of others.
