Calling Future Firefighters: Tamarac Fire Rescue Seeks Cadets For Developmental Program

by Kevin Deutsch August 28, 2022

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Tamarac Fire Rescue cadets [Tamarac Fire Rescue]

By Kevin Deutsch

Attention, future firefighters and paramedics: Here’s a chance to start on your dream career path.

Tamarac Fire Rescue’s Cadet Program is accepting applications from men and women, ages 13 to 18, interested in firefighting and EMS service. Launched in 2001, the developmental program introduces cadets to the life-saving professions and prepares them for future careers.

The initial Tamarac cadet class began with seven men and women who remained in the program for up to five years before graduating, according to the department.

“Cadets become part of the fire rescue family, starting with basic knowledge of the service, the equipment, and the tactics we use every day,” the department said in an announcement calling for new applicants.

The application process has several prerequisites:

A parent-applicant meeting
An applicant-peer meeting,
Successful completion of assigned projects
Follow-up meetings to train, inform and discuss the cadet’s future with the program and their career path

Cadets learn about Tamarac, the fire department’s stations, where equipment is located, and why firefighters utilize each piece. They begin each cadet meeting with a brief workout, are required to attend and participate in all meetings and are only allowed to miss a meeting if they have a reasonable excuse.

Tamarac Fire Rescue Cadets at Tamarac’s Walk With The Mayor event in April. {Tamarac Fire Rescue}.

Meetings also consist of classroom and hands-on activities, equipment knowledge testing, and instruction on practical applications for equipment use.

Every cadet must successfully pass all requirements over a six-month period to be eligible for rides with on-duty professionals.

Cadets must also participate in multiple city activities, such as the Fourth of July fireworks show and the holiday tree lighting ceremony.

The program, too, requires they meet the same standard of professional appearance as regular fire department staff.

A new cadet class is scheduled to begin in late August 2022. Parents or would-be cadets interested in the program are asked to download the application and call Tamarac Fire Rescue’s Van Schoen at 954-597-3805.

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Author Profile

Kevin Deutsch

Kevin Deutsch is an award-winning journalist and author of two nonfiction books. He covers general assignment news and Jewish community issues for Talk Media. He has also worked as a staff writer at The Miami Times, the Rio Grande SUN, the New York Daily News, Newsday, The Miami Herald, The Palm Beach Post, The Riverdale Press, and Bronx Justice News.