Carlton’s Fire Cadet Program

The Carlton Fire Department has been a pioneer in introducing high school students to the fire service by “unofficially” sponsoring a fire cadet program for nearly 20 years.

In the program, cadets gain exposure to the fire field and connect with fire personnel through volunteering opportunities.

Current Public Works Superintendent and Fire Chief Derek Wolf knows firsthand how beneficial the fire cadet program can be.

Chief Wolf obtained his Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) designation as a Carlton fire cadet at age 17 before joining the fire department. Since that time, the city has continued its strong partnership with Carlton High School in familiarizing students to the fire service career by revamping the cadet program.

Chief Wolf has been spearheading a more formalized and documented fire cadet program since he was named Carlton’s fire chief in 2017. He has worked closely with the high school and has researched national cadet and junior firefighter programs to create Carlton’s associated program guidelines and application materials.

The Carlton Fire Cadet program follows the Minnesota High School League’s rules with respect to participant grades and conduct standards and has served as a model for several other programs across the state. Students are eligible to apply to volunteer in the program if they are 15-17 years old and maintain at least a “C” average in their high school classes. Eligible candidates must complete an application and meet with their parents and Chief Wolf to review program details.

Cadet work is limited to participation in fire trainings and clean up in the field or at the fire hall. In the guidelines, the program is limited to no more than five cadets at any one time, but Chief Wolf shared he would ideally accept no more than three cadets at a time to provide an optimum cadet experience.

Direct expenses to the city are negligible, with cadets using older training bunker gear — since they aren’t exposed to hot zones — and pagers from existing department supply.

The Carlton Fire Department works closely with the high school to make the partnership beneficial for all, and Chief Wolf estimates he spends two to three hours of staff time on the cadet program each week.

Chief Wolf notes the program has trained approximately 10-15 cadets over the years, and 75% of the cadets have continued on in the fire or emergency medical services after their participation in the Carlton Fire Cadet Program ended.