High School Cadet Program
High School Involvement
The Mount Vernon Fire Department's Cadet Program invites high school students aged 16-18 to get involved. To qualify, students must maintain a C average or better, obtain parental consent, and provide character references from two teachers. Additionally, they should be in good health and physically capable of performing their duties.
Cadets will participate in regular meetings, training sessions, and fire department activities. While they will respond to emergency scenes, they will do so only in a support role, reporting to the station first. Cadets will also assist with the maintenance of station facilities and engage in supervised training sessions.
Terms and Conditions
High school cadets at the Mount Vernon Fire Department can assist in various support tasks such as rolling hoses, moving equipment, and providing general help at fire scenes. They are allowed to ride in apparatus to emergencies if there is space and always under supervision. However, cadets are not permitted to enter burning structures or hazardous areas and are prohibited from operating emergency vehicles or handling advanced firefighting equipment unless explicitly directed. Cadets must adhere to all department safety protocols, and failure to do so may result in disciplinary action, up to dismissal from the program.
