Cadet Program The year 2020 was 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 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 virtually. This provided us the ability to complete the didactic portion of their training, so that when COVID-19 restrictions Cadet Program eased and we could meet in person again, we could dive right into their practical Lieutenant Josh skills. Even though COVID-19 created a challenge for the Orland Fire Cadet Program, Girdick there were some major highlights. For example, as a result of Cadets being granted preference points by the Board of Fire Commissioners on entry- level selection for Firefighter/Paramedic positions with the Fire District, the Orland Fire Cadet Program had it's second Cadet begin the hiring process for a full-time position as a Firefighter/Paramedic with the Fire District. In addition, in 2020, the program continued to have 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 has seven Cadets that are diligently completing their practical objectives, which were delayed because of COVID-19, as they work towards obtaining their Basic Operations Firefighter certification in the summer of 2021. The Cadets continue to attend meetings on Saturdays held at the the Fire District's Training Facility to complete their practical objectives when COVID-19 restrictions allow. As we move into 2021, the Orland Fire Cadet Program is looking to build on its successes from 2020, learn from the challenges that were faced in 2020, and continue to improve the program that is offered to its Cadets. The Cadet Program will be looking to take on new Cadets in the late summer or early fall of 2021 after doing recruitment in both the local high schools and community colleges. 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.
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