By Hailey Lanari
The Cronomer Valley Fire Department has launched a new youth fire cadet program to give teens aged 13 to 15 fire training and exposure to the profession.
Youth programs exist in many fire stations, but there is a lack of opportunities for youth under 16 to explore firefighting. The department hopes that this program will be a positive outlet for teens and help with the persisting volunteer drought.
“We’re now able to bring them in, get them interested, and then hopefully retain them as they work their way up the ranks,” said Drew Russo, one of the leaders of the program, “A big thing right now is that there are no volunteers. It has been hard to bring new people in and we are hoping to change that.”
The department feels that this is a way for them to provide another service to the community and encourage youth to get involved in community service.
In the Fire Cadet Program, cadets have the opportunity to work with fire trucks and engines and participate in the department’s training sessions. They get to operate fire hoses and specialized equipment. When they’re not suited up for training, they assist the firefighters in cleaning and maintaining the vehicles and tools.
“It’s been cool to get hands-on training and be part of everything instead of just watching,” said Cadet John.
Currently, there are only three members of the program but the department is hoping to take in many more.
“We are open to absolutely anybody whether they’re from Orange County or neighboring counties. We want everyone to feel comfortable here regardless of where they’re from, their gender, or their knowledge about what we do.” said Russo.
Russo emphasized the importance of diversity of backgrounds.
“Of course we have retired FDNY and other full-time firefighters, but we also have teachers, Air Guard, and corrections officers. I actually work in the entertainment industry. We all bring something different our cadets can learn from. We are a support system and we want to support all our kids.”
Firefighter and former Newburgh Free Academy teacher, Frank Wolfe, spoke on the intersection between the cadets’ academic education and their professional education.
“The kids learn things like quadratic equations in math, or fluid dynamics, or hydraulics, or chemical reactions, and they ask when they’re even going to use this information. This is where. I have to act as an engineer, an operator, and use that knowledge to determine how the water in the hose will flow and the type of pressure or friction there will be,” said Wolfe.
The department’s vision is that this program will excite kids about learning about firefighting and community service while providing them a space to grow as individuals and become a part of their team.
This program meets at the Cronomer Valley Fire Station on the first and third Monday and the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. All equipment is provided. Parents are welcome, but not required to stay.
For more information and registration forms, contact cadets@cvfd-fire.org, there is no cost to join.