An 18-year-old Baker High School student is pursuing a firefighter and EMT career through Baker City Fire Department’s new cadet program. William Spriet says his goal is simple: help people, and he views hands-on firefighting as a better path than a four-year college. The program, led by Baker City Fire Chief Michael Carlson, opens to ages 14 through 19 and begins with weekend training that covers turnout gear, radios, and basic safety. Cadets can ride along on calls as they progress, with the aim of earning dual credentials in fire service and emergency medical services by age 18. The first class recently graduated, with cadets taking leadership roles and performing community-service tasks such as staffing information booths and blood-pressure clinics. Carlson emphasizes leadership development and ongoing training and hopes to enroll new cadets each year, strengthening a local, homegrown fire workforce. This program also offers mentorship. For More Information https://www.firerescue1.com/recruitment/ore-fd-cadet-program-changes-high-school-seniors-career-path
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