FREDERICKTOWN — By the time the ceremony concluded, the cadets who had once been sitting attentively before their instructor were now crawling over the fire trucks, opening doors, and showing off the equipment they use when assisting the Fredericktown Community Fire District.
Tuesday night served as the annual fire cadet ceremony where each teen was honored with a yearly certificate. A select few also received awards for Most Improved and Instructor’s Choice.
“We’ve had some recent fires where our cadets went above and beyond. I don’t think you fully understand how valuable these young men and women are, not only to us,” said Lt. Jeremy Moss, the cadet advisor. Three other departments recently remarked on the capabilities of the Fredericktown cadets. “Their commitment not only to this program, but this community, is second to none.
“I want to thank each and every one of you for what you do, what you bring to the department,” Moss told the cadets assembled before him in their navy blue T-shirts and hoodies with FCFD emblazoned on the back.
The cadets go through training during the summer, but they are a part of the Fredericktown Community Fire District throughout the year. The teenagers gain skills as they assist the volunteer firefighters on scene. The intent, Moss explained, was not to lure cadets into the FCFD after graduation, but to teach life lessons.
“We train them on what we’re doing so when we’re on an active scene they’ll know what we need. We work hard. They sweat, they cry, they get mad, but they keep going back and doing it again and again and again,” Moss said.
Noah Smith was recognized with the Instructor’s Choice Award and was selected to be a lieutenant within the cadet program. Smith also received the 2017 Outstanding Cadet Performance award at the annual awards dinner on Jan. 20.
“I just come here with my best ability that I can do,” said a humble Smith. “It’s just very great having this kind of people – firefighters – to be here with me, support me in everything I do, and keep pushing me.”
Smith, who is currently a senior in high school, plans on becoming a firefighter after graduation.
“It’s a great learning opportunity,” added Haley Rook, a three-year cadet who also plans on becoming a firefighter. She was promoted to lieutenant cadet last year. “You learn a lot of different things.”
When it comes to going out on runs, Haley said that aspect of the program would definitely help a teenager decide if firefighting was a field they really wanted to be in. “It’s when you can actually learn a lot,” she said.
Terri Rook, Haley and Jacob Rook’s mother, chuckled at the idea that the FCFD might see all five of her children enroll in the cadet program. Haley has been the driving force in the family, having convinced her younger brother Jacob to join, and Terri said she wouldn’t be surprised if her 11-year-old son would soon be following in their footsteps.
Students can join the cadet program when they enter high school.
“It’s life experience. The whole program is an excellent program. It’s a big family,” said Terri. “They take these guys under their wings. They learn everything they do out there … It is truly amazing the education they provide for the kids.”
FCFD Chief Scott Mast initiated the cadet program in 2008.
“I think this program is very beneficial,” Mast said. “One, I think it’s a great avenue for kids to learn some valuable skills, not just in firefighting, but in teamwork and camaraderie. For the fire department, they have been invaluable. The amount of work that they do, the skills that they have, I’m just amazed on the level of competency they exhibit on a fire scene. They’re a great asset to our department.”
The FCFD program currently has 13 active cadets. The following cadets received certificates for their yearly training completion.
First Year Certificate: Gavin Wilson, Kenzie Gannon, Madison Swick, Trevor Fry, and Jacob Rook
Second Year Certificate: Noah Smith, Nathan Silliman, and Lane Swihart
Third Year Certificate: Haley Rook, Mason Dechant, and Rhylee Wilson
Jaden Hillman and Angelo Tino, who are currently halfway through their first year as cadets, round out the cadet corps.
Silliman and Dechant received the Most Improved award.
