Cadet Program

WISE COUNTY ESD #1 CADET PROGRAM

If you are interested in a fire service career, Wise County ESD No. 1 is offering one of the best opportunities to prepare you.  Establishing a career as a firefighter/emergency medical technician is very challenging.  The knowledge skills and abilities required of today’s firefighters can be ominous.  The Wise County ESD No. 1 cadet program enables you to become a well-rounded firefighter through education and experience at the same time. 

WHAT IS THE CADET PROGRAM?

Wise County Emergency Services District (ESD) No. 1 designed its Cadet Program to appeal to motivated individuals who are dedicated to learning the skills necessary for a career in the fire service. By providing a Cadet Program, the District benefits by being able to attract, identify and train a diverse group of promising candidates for potential future employment. The community is also served when area citizens can advance their career goals close to home.

The Cadet Program gives an inside look at the district, and the district likewise has an opportunity to observe and assess a cadet’s dedication, skills, and performance. This affords both parties an opportunity to see if an employment relationship meets both parties’ needs.

The District’s Cadet Program offers the following:

1. A basic structure fire suppression course, approved by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP), that qualifies successful graduates to take the TCFP basic structural fire-fighting exam;

2. An emergency medical services training course, approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), that qualifies successful graduates to take the National Registry exam and the DSHS state certification exam for certification as an EMT-Basic.

3. Does not charge for its training program (unlike other academies where tuition can be thousands of dollars), because the District absorbs all of the administrative, textbook, and material costs; and

4. Provide 72 hours a month of on-the-job training at the fire station.  This allows cadets to gain an understanding of how fire departments operate.

5. On the job experience operating in a 911 system.

Also, while employment is not guaranteed, successful completion of the Cadet Program and passing the necessary exams may lead to employment with the District or other fire service employers.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE TO JOIN THE CADET PROGRAM?

Applicants must be at least age 18, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and not have any conditions that would disqualify them from eventual employment as firefighter/EMTs in Texas. TCFP and National Registry have background check requirements and require U.S. citizenship or other eligibility to work in the United States. Applicants must be able to read, write, and speak English; understand and follow supervisory direction; and meet the Cadet Program attendance requirements. Interested applicants must:

1. Complete the District’s employment application packet; and

2. Complete the District’s interview; and

3. Sign the Cadet Agreement.

If an applicant has either the TCFP certification or the EMT-Basic certification, he or she can attend the Cadet Program to complete their missing component required to serve as a firefighter in Texas. 

WHAT IS REQUIRED DURING THE PROGRAM?

Under the direction of the Fire Chief, Deputy Chief and supervised by District members, the program provides online classroom and hands-on instruction during the cadets 72 hours a month.  Cadets are trained concurrently in fire prevention, suppression, rescue, public fire safety education, and emergency medical services.  Outside the classroom cadets will make fire prevention visits, participate in public education, perform general administrative assignments, and may, participate in ride-along on emergency vehicles. 

A high level of physical fitness is required, and training is provided to help cadets meet the physical ability test standards. Cadets will engage in physical labor and physical fitness, including hose, rolling, cleaning apparatus and stations, and emergency scene clean-up.

Cadets are measured throughout each term. Satisfactory attendance and performance are required in order to remain in the program and be eligible for the stipend. Completion of the program during the semester requires satisfactory achievement on these four components:

1. Completion of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) basic fire certification course;

2. Completion of the National Registry EMT certification course;

3. Regular and satisfactory participation in the physical fitness program; and

4. Maintain 72 hours a month throughout the program.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER COMPLETING THE CADET PROGRAM?

To be eligible for hire as a firefighter/EMT in Texas after completing the Cadet Program, a cadet must:

• Take and pass the TCFP basic fire certification exam; and

• Take and pass the National Registry EMT-Basic certification exam and be certified by DSHS; and

• Take and pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test; and

• Meet the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1582 physical requirements.

Once a cadet has met these standards, the cadet may receive an offer for employment from the District.  Offer of employment is not a guarantee by this program.  Any employment offer will be subject to the District’s standard selection processes (including a background check, drug screen, and NFPA physical) and available vacancies.  If hired, the cadet will be employed as a probationary firefighter.

Apply here