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Cadet Program
The year 2021 was again a challenging year for the Orland Fire Cadet Program due to COVID-19. Even though many of the public event activities we participate in were cancelled, and occasionally in-person meetings postponed, we were able to continue to train cadets in the Basic Operations Firefighter curriculum through the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshall. While COVID-19 created a challenge for the Orland Fire Cadet Program, there were some major highlights. For example, as a result Cadet Program of Cadets being granted preference points by the Board of Commissioners on entry Lieutenant Josh Girdick level selection for Firefighter/Paramedic positions with the Fire District, the Orland Fire Cadet Program had it's second Cadet hired for a full-time position as a Firefighter/Paramedic with the Fire District. In addition, in 2021, the program had 3 Cadets successfully challenge and receive their State Certification for Basic Operations Firefighter through the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshall. By providing the opportunity to obtain this certification to individuals between 16 and 21 years of age, the Orland Fire Cadet Program starts Cadets on a path to a successful career in the fire service. Currently, the program is going through the recruitment and selection process for new Cadets with a new class scheduled to begin in early 2022. The Cadets will continue to attend meetings on Saturdays, held at the the Fire District's Training Facility, to complete their practical objectives, and utilize an online format for their didactic training. As we move into 2022, the Orland Fire Cadet Program is looking to build on its successes from 2021, learn from the challenges that we faced in 2021, and continue to improve the program that is offered to its Cadets. Overall, the Cadet Program will continually strive to achieve its mission of providing individuals with a strong foundation to build upon, as they pursue a career within the fire service.
