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The Mattawan Fire Department Cadet Program was established in 2002 to develop a program in which community youth could learn about the fire service. The Mattawan Fire Department has several former cadets join the department as regular firefighters, with some going away to college to obtain a degree in Fire Science, and some joined the armed services. Upon learning a minimum number of skills, cadets will be able to respond to emergency calls with the firefighters and act as support personnel. When the cadet turns 18 years old and graduates high school, the cadet will have the option to submit an application to become a volunteer firefighter with the Mattawan Fire Department.
Cadet firefighters need to be self-starters and willing to learn. Cadets who regularly strive to learn more and be involved will be rewarded with increasing levels of responsibilities and opportunities.
Mattawan Fire District is proud of its members; cadet members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner when representing the fire department.
REQUIREMENTS:
Cadets must be at least 15 years of age, but not to exceed the age of 17 by the end of the school year.
The Cadet must reside within the Mattawan Fire Department response area or school district.
Cadets should be able to follow directions under stressful situations.
Cadets should be in good physical condition to perform essential fire ground tasks.
Cadets should be willing and able to attend at least 50% of scheduled meetings and training.
Cadets must maintain a 2.0 grade-point average in school to join the program and must obtain a 2.5 GPA to advance within the program.
The Mattawan Fire Department and its Cadet Firefighter Program work in cooperation to educate, protect, and serve the youth in our response area.
CADET MISSION STATEMENT
To maintain a safe environment for youth to gather within the community to learn about many aspects of the fire service and to provide avenues for positive social interaction for the youth in the cadet program.
CORE VALUES
Recognizing the dedication and skill and value of all members, we will create and maintain an environment of individual safety, well-being and trust. We are guided by: Service to Others, Team Work, Compassion, Integrity, Safety, Honesty, Accountability, Professionalism, and Respect.
The Members of the Mattawan Fire Department’s Cadet Program demonstrate commitment to our community through:
Probationary Cadet
During the probation period, the cadet will have no voting privileges. Probationary cadets can attend special events of the department after approval from the Chief or Assistant Chief. Probationary cadets can attend regular fire department meetings and attend trainings.
Requirements needing completion to graduate to Level I status:
1. Complete at least 2 months of service
2. Attend 100% of all cadet meetings and trainings. Excused absences will be approved on a case by case basis.
3. Have a good understanding of the Mattawan Fire Department operations and rules. Complete the entire Cadet Orientation program and end of probation assessment.
4. Be recommended by the cadet advisory board and approved by the cadet advisory chairman or chief.
5. Must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA.
Failure to complete the probationary status will result in an extension of probation. After that extension of 2 months, a meeting will take place with advisory board members and chief officers.
Graduated Cadet
1. Complete all above probation requirements.
2. Successfully complete selected classes from the firefighter curriculum.
3. Must maintain a 2.5 GPA
4. Be recommended by the cadet advisory board and approved by the cadet advisory chairman.
5. Pager will be issued
6. Access to eDispatches given
Upon completion of probationary cadet period, the cadet will receive a Mattawan Fire Department Cadet T-Shirt. Cadets will be allowed to ride on fire apparatus to non-emergency and emergency events per a Fire Officer. .
Captain Requirements:
1. Certified in Basic First Aid and CPR
2. Complete a truck knowledge and assessment quiz.
3. Know the Command structure knowledge
4. Have an understanding of and practice Cadet & Fire Department operations
5. Must receive 2 recommendations from officer or cadet advisory board member.
6. Must shadow an officer for a specified amount of time.