Cadets

In 2006 the District applied for and was awarded, a four-year grant called SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response). The grant money has been used to establish and maintain the Pacific County Fire District 1 Fire Cadet and Resident Volunteer Programs. Both of these programs were started in the fall of 2007.

The Cadet Program is a two-year program designed for Ilwaco High School juniors and seniors who are interested in pursuing a career in Emergency Services. It provides students with entry level fire fighting training in a safe and realistic training environment. Students participating in the program spend one class period each school day at the Seaview Fire Station learning basic firefighting skills, and studying the IFSTA 5 Firefighting Essentials. They have taken field trips to construction sites in order to learn about construction features, fire suppression systems, and code requirements. They train with SCBA’s (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus), structural gear and fire extinguishers. Every Friday, they undergo physical fitness training  to help build endurance, strength and agility. Besides the basics of fire fighting, students also learn communication skills, leadership, team work, time management, self-confidence, work ethics, and responsibility.  Students successfully completing the class each year receive high school credit as well as credits towards a Fire Science Degree from Clatsop Community College.

In addition to the education they are receiving, these Cadets are assisting the community in a variety of ways. They volunteer time at the Ocean Beach Education Foundation fundraiser and the Oysters and Art Fundraiser for the local Boys and Girls Club. Once a month, they assist the staff at the local animal shelter. Each year they attend a meeting of the Southwest Pacific County Rotary Club, where they speak individually about what the Fire Cadet program has meant to each of them. In September, the cadets participate in the Great Columbia Bridge Crossing, a 6.2 mile run/walk, and at the end of the school year they attend competitions with other students in Cadet Programs elsewhere in the region.

The Resident Volunteer Program is a two-year program, involving students who are enrolled as full-time students in the Fire Science Program at Clatsop Community College. Students who have successfully completed the Fire Cadet Program are eligible to apply for internship with Pacific County Fire District 1.

The Resident Volunteers accepted into the program are given paid tuition, lodging, and a monthly stipend. In exchange, they work for the District, 10 shifts per month, during which time they participate in hands-on training, and get any help they need with their studies. In the course of their education, they will earn their IFSAC Firefighter I and Washington State Emergency Medical Technician certifications, and a national certification to fight wildfires. This kind of direct training, with supervision and assistance available at any time is designed to help the Resident Volunteer become more marketable in this competitive field.