By Michael Howell
The Stevensville Firefighter Cadet Program is looking for four additional volunteers to fill out its summer training program. During the summer, the program is expanded and cadets meet once a week, usually on Wednesdays, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
According to cadet program director Ryan Schnee, “It’s a learn by doing process.” Of course the learning comes with close supervision.
High schoolers and home schoolers from the ages of 14 to 17 are eligible to participate in the program. They learn to check and clean the fire hall and all the fire apparatus. They also get to respond to fires. According to Schnee, they are allowed to go on all calls except the medical calls. They can respond to motor vehicle accidents, wildland fires and residential fires. At a fire scene, while working with an experienced firefighter, cadets tend the trucks, check and distribute air packs, drinking water and fuel.
“They can take the front line in a wildland fire,” said Schnee. One thing they are not allowed to do is go into a burning building. Schnee said they try to pair the young cadets up with seasoned firefighters. He said the goal is to have older firefighters serving as mentors for the young cadets.
“The cadets also stand along with the entire firefighting crew in our regular training sessions,” he said.
Schnee, who has been in charge of the cadet program for the last two and half years, said that young students may simply have an interest in firefighting and doing volunteer work for their community, but the instruction is also a good platform for entering firefighting as a career. He said it is perfect training for someone interested in going to Fire Science School in Missoula or possibly going to the Missoula Firefighter Residential program in which young people18 years or over can live at the Missoula Fire Station for free during fire science school.
“It’s really good training for any teenager who is interested in fighting fire as a volunteer or as a career,” said recent cadet graduate Zach Jensen.
Cadet Garrett Dawson, said, “After being in this cadet program for two years I’ve found it’s what I want to do the rest of my life.”
Schnee said he is looking for at least four more volunteers to fill out the summer program. Anyone interested may contact him at 406-381-4425.