“This is an amazing opportunity to provide the city’s youth with an inside view of police and fire operations,” said Fire Chief Denis McCarthy. “While we hope many of them will take the entry level exams when they’re old enough, the leadership skills and community service hours they provide help foster an appreciation for public safety and develop life skills.”
Cadets learned about various topics such as the turnout gear that protects firefighters while they respond to fires and other emergencies. The full gear can weigh 50 pounds or more.
The cadet programs are free and offered for youth age 14 and above. This was the fist joint program involving cadets from both departments. The objective of the course is to give cadets a sense of responsibility and to increase their self-esteem through positive social interaction and leadership development.
The cadets meet every Monday at 7 p.m.
The Fire Department hosts the meetings at 121 Connecticut Ave. on the first Monday of each month, and the remainder of the meetings takes place in the Community Room of the Police Department.
To learn more or to join, contact Officer Chris Holms of the Norwalk Police Department at 203-854-3029.
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