Hanover Fire Department creates cadet program

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This article was published 28/04/2021 (1528 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Hanover Fire Department is looking for eight enterprising teenagers to join its new cadet program.

Applications are already rolling in since the program was announced two weeks ago, Gary Kehler, the department’s fire prevention officer and lead instructor, said in an interview.

“We see an opportunity here for the young women and men of the community to give back.”

The program is open to Hanover residents aged 16 and 17 who are actively attending high school.

Kehler is hoping to place two cadets at each of the department’s four fire halls by June. The setup allows cadets to train in their home community. (Cadets from Mitchell would be placed at the Kleefeld, New Bothwell, or Blumenort fire hall.)

Each cadet will be assigned a mentor and participate in two training nights per month. Training consists of a blend of drills and classroom learning.

After learning the basics, cadets can accompany firefighters to grass and structure fires, where Kehler said they will play a supporting role from a safe distance, charging tanks, lugging hoses, and rehydrating firefighters.

Cadets will also get a chance to don the Sparky mascot costume during parades.

“It’s a little hard to get a Sparky sometimes,” Kehler quipped.

COVID-19 restrictions permitting, Kehler also hopes to send cadets into schools to teach younger students about fire safety.

Cadets who turn 18 can choose to pursue their Level 1 and 2 certification and apply to become a full member of the fire department.

Kehler, a 23-year veteran of the department, said the idea of creating a cadet program “has been around for years.” Top brass began noticing the children of longtime members were showing an interest in firefighting.

Few fire departments in the Southeast operate a cadet program. Kehler said Hanover modelled its program after one in Dauphin.

Hanover School Division and Steinbach Christian School have already agreed to issue volunteer credits to students who become fire cadets, Kehler said.

Those interested in applying can fill out an application form on the RM of Hanover website or email questions to gary.kehler@hanovermb.ca.

Applicants don’t need a driver’s licence and don’t have to pass a physical exam. They must refrain from drugs and alcohol, keep their grades up at school, and show up on time to training nights. Kehler said he’ll try to work around after-school sports.

In addition to teaching youngsters about firefighting, Kehler said cadet programs boost self-confidence and demonstrate how to remain calm under pressure.

“I’m hoping to empower them,” he said.

Cadet programs are also valuable recruitment tools. Kehler said Hanover’s 72-member department receives a good number of applications each year, but many come with caveats, like an inability to respond to daytime calls due to out-of-town employment. Kehler is in a similar position: he works as a paramedic in Steinbach.

He said he hopes the cadet program will be another way to drive recruitment in a growing municipality that may one day need to staff a fifth fire hall in Mitchell.