by Chuck Seaver, South Lake Tablet
The Clermont Fire Department announces that its Junior Fire Cadet (JFC) program, previously known as Fire Explorers, continues to expand and is now open to additional teenage youth interested in learning about firefighting services.
The program, which began in April of this year, provides instruction on local firefighting, rescue operations, and emergency medical services in a safe, supervised, and educational setting. The JFC curriculum includes topics such as teamwork, leadership, responsibility, and commitment. Participants provide non-operational support to the Clermont Fire Department and serve as prospective candidates for future recruitment by the Clermont Fire Department.
Program Mentor Gary Schindele states that the long-term objectives include preparing participants to eventually attend the fire academy. Florida state requirements to attend a fire academy include being at least 18 years old, possessing a high school diploma or GED, holding a valid Florida driver’s license, being tobacco-free, demonstrating good moral character, and maintaining good physical condition. Minimum standards training consists of two parts: firefighter part 1 involves at least 206 hours of basic skills, and part 2 requires an additional 192 hours on advanced techniques.
Eligibility for the Clermont Fire Department’s JFC program is limited to individuals aged 14-19, enrolled in ninth through twelfth grade. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 PM, Clermont Fire Station #1, 439 West Highway 50, Clermont.
For more information about the Junior Fire Cadet program, contact Safety Educator Hayley Wheeler at HWheeler@ClermontFL.org or 352-241-2162.
(Photos courtesy of the Clermont Fire Department and the Florida Fire and Rescue Cadets)
