The Detroit Fire Department (DFD) welcomed the media to the Walter P. Harris Regional Training Center Monday for a behind-the-scenes look at the department's 54th Junior Fire Cadet class as participants put weeks of classroom instruction into action during their annual hands-on training day.

Thirty-one Detroit youth, now three weeks into the six-week summer program, demonstrated many of the firefighting and emergency response skills they have been learning, offering a glimpse into one of the department's longest-running youth development initiatives in partnership with Grow Detroit's Young Talent (GDYT).

Since 1972, the Junior Fire Cadet Program has introduced thousands of Detroit young people to the fire service while instilling discipline, teamwork, confidence, and a commitment to serving others. Since 2015, the program has partnered with Grow Detroit's Young Talent, connecting participants with meaningful paid summer employment and career exploration opportunities.

"This program is about so much more than preparing future fire department members, it's about investing in Detroit's future," said Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms. "Every summer, we have the opportunity to build relationships with young people, help them discover their potential, and show them what it means to lead through service. The success of this program year after year is a direct reflection of the incredible dedication of our Community Relations and Training Division staff, along with our outstanding partnership with Grow Detroit's Young Talent. Together, we're giving these young men and women experiences and life skills that will benefit them no matter what career path they choose."

Some of the DFD Junior Fire Cadets ready for action during hands-on training at the Walter P. Harris Regional Training Center. 

Detroiter Lashawn Hill preparing her tank for use during the hands-on training exercises requiring the use of one. 

During today's hands-on training day, cadets demonstrated the skills they have developed over the first half of the program, including hose operations, ladder climbing techniques, search and rescue, and ax handling.

Throughout the six-week program, cadets receive instruction in both firefighting and emergency medical skills while also participating in financial literacy workshops, public speaking, job readiness training, and mental health management. The program also includes a college tour and active shooter response training led by the Detroit Police Department.

Grow Detroit's Young Talent is providing 8,000 summer employment opportunities this year for Detroit residents ages 14 to 24, exposing participants to careers in technology, energy, civic and community service, public safety, and many other industries.

"Grow Detroit's Young Talent is committed to building Detroit's future workforce by listening to our young people and understanding what they need to succeed," said Stephanie Nixon, Chief Program Services Officer for Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC). “We work with our employer partners to create meaningful experiences that allow participants to build confidence and develop real-world skills. We want every young person in Detroit who wants a job to have one and would love to double the number of Detroit youth served each summer through GDYT. To this end, we are always looking to engage new employers who are excited to inspire our youth.”

Captain John Edwards assisting Junior Fire Cadets preparing to enter the search and rescue training. Not only is the room filled with smoke, there is tape over the participants' masks to simulate lack of ability to see during a fire.  

For many cadets, the experience leaves a lasting impression.

Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School sophomore Maleah Clark returned this summer for her second year in the Junior Fire Cadet program. "I came back because I wanted to prove that I'm a leader, not a follower," Clark said. "I've learned skills that I can use for the rest of my life, like Stop the Bleed training and how to make a fire escape plan for my family. Even if I don't become a firefighter, those are things that could help save someone's life.” Clark said she plans to attend either a historically Black college or university (HBCU) or an Ivy League institution after graduating from high school.

With three weeks remaining in the program, cadets will continue building on today's hands-on experience through classroom instruction, professional development opportunities, and mentorship from Detroit Fire Department personnel. Department leaders hope participants leave the program with greater confidence, valuable life skills, and a deeper understanding of careers in public service—whether they ultimately pursue the fire service or another profession.

The Detroit Fire Department thanks Grow Detroit's Young Talent, Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, and the dedicated instructors, mentors, and staff members whose commitment continues to make the Junior Fire Cadet Program one of the department's longest running and most impactful community initiatives.

Firefighter/EMT Jessica Hills talks a Junior Fire Cadet through the entanglement zone - another simulation of experiences with real-world firefighting. 

Fire Engine Operator Lairren Johnson helps Junior Fire Cadets learn to handle the hose during hose operations training.