WHAT:                    Junior Fire Cadets will take part in the state Skills USA training course

WHO:                     Junior Fire Cadets

WHERE:                  Little Rock Fire Department Training Facility

                              7000 Murray St.

                              Little Rock, AR 72209

WHEN:                    9:30 a.m. – noon Wednesday, April 6

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Nearly 30 participants in the Junior Fire Cadets program will be put through their paces during a skills test Wednesday, April 6, at the Little Rock Fire Department Training Facility.

These participants, all high school students in the Little Rock School District, will tackle eight types of obstacles and exercises in a timed course. The course is similar to the physical ability test for entry-level firefighters. Obstacles include: 3-minute stair steps, hose drag and pull, ladder extension, search and rescue in the dark, dummy drag, and the pike pole to simulate ventilation. 

A written exam on fire science will round out the test for the cadets. 

The Junior Cadet Program, now in its third year, provides rising high school juniors and seniors hands-on experience and education in fire safety and emergency response. It is a partnership between the Little Rock Fire Department and the Little Rock School District.

Each student has the opportunity to earn CPR and first responder certifications, learn anatomy and medical terminology and fire science, and gain skills in other areas that will allow them to enter the emergency service field. 

“This program is a step in the direction of a career, not just a job,” said Capt. Warren Robinson Sr. “In addition to the physical skills and science education, cadets learn about compassion, commitment, respect, and trust – valuable attributes for all young people to have as they enter the work force.”

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