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Cadet Program Operations Begin September 2007
Pacific County Fire District 1 is proud to offer a Fire Cadet program for juniors and seniors at Ilwaco High School. The District was awarded a four year Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant early in 2007. This grant provides the means to offer this professional program for students interested in pursuing a career as an emergency service responder.
The Cadet Program is designed to give the students entry level fire fighting training in a safe and realistic training environment. First year Cadets are trained in First Aid and CPR, fire fighting fundamentals, hazardous materials awareness, wildland fire fighting with physical training and conditioning. Second year Cadets will be trained in advanced fire fighting techniques, leadership and command, teambuilding, interview skills, time management, and life skills designed so the Cadets will understand the academic and physical rigors necessary to succeed as a firefighter.
The instructional program includes classroom lectures and practical hands-on skills training. Skills are taught in the classroom and moved to the drill ground where the students apply what they’ve learned into a practical setting. In addition, several field trips designed to expose the students to other aspects of the emergency service profession will take place throughout the school year.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will not only receive high school credit, but will also receive college credit from Clatsop Community College towards a two-year degree in Fire Science. In addition, they will also have the opportunity to apply to be a Resident Volunteer with Pacific County Fire District 1. The Resident Volunteer Program is also a two year program. The Residents receive training to be certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), to be red card certified, and Firefighter II certified. They receive financial assistance while they work towards their two year degree in Fire Science from Clatsop Community College. In return they work for the District on shift, where they receive additional training.
Mike Karvia, Division Chief of Training, serves as Program Director and Lead Instructor. Firefighter/Paramedic Jennifer Reynolds is a Lead Instructor and Firefighter/Paramedic David Lamb and Firefighter/EMT Greg Griffith are Associate Instructors.
Cadet Program In Full Swing
In 2006 the District applied for and was awarded, a four-year grant called SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response). The grant money has been used to establish and maintain the Pacific County Fire District 1 Fire Cadet and Resident Volunteer Programs. Both of these programs were started this fall.
The Cadet Program is a two-year program designed for Ilwaco High School juniors and seniors who are interested in pursuing a career in Emergency Services. The five students who are currently enrolled spend an hour each school day at the Seaview Fire Station learning basic firefighting skills. They have already been on field trips to learn about construction features, fire suppression systems, and code requirements. They train with SCBA’s (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus), structural gear and fire extinguishers. Every Friday, they undergo physical fitness training with their instructors and professional fitness trainers who volunteer their time to help build the Cadets’ endurance, strength and agility. Upon successful completion of this program, students will receive college credits from Clatsop Community College towards a two-year degree.
In addition to the education they are receiving, these Cadets are assisting the community in a variety of ways. They volunteered their time at the Ocean Beach Education Foundation fundraiser and the Oysters and Art Fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club. They also attended a meeting of the Southwest Pacific County Rotary Club, where they delivered speeches about what the Fire Cadet program has meant to each of them. In September, all five students participated in the Great Columbia Bridge Crossing, a 6.2 mile run/walk. There are many more opportunities for the participation of these busy young people throughout the remainder of the school year.
The Resident Volunteer Program is a two-year program, involving students who are enrolled as full-time students in the Fire Science Program at Clatsop Community College. Students who have successfully completed the Fire Cadet Program are eligible to apply for internship with Pacific County Fire District 1.
The Resident Volunteers accepted into the program are offered paid tuition, lodging, and a monthly stipend, in exchange for working 10 shifts per month. During the course of their education, they will earn their IFSAC (International Fire Service Accreditation Congress) Firefighter I and Washington State Emergency Medical Technician certifications, and national certification to fight wildfires. While working their assigned shift, they receive additional daily training, which will help them to be more marketable in this competitive field.
