By Terrance Thornton
tthornton@newszap.com |
Twitter: @ININEWSMAN

Beginning this year, a Scottsdale first responder scholarship program was launched to help fire department cadets and police department explorers cover costs during their time at the respective academies.

To better understand how the new program will help fill a gap in the local law enforcement community, Independent Newsmedia reached out to Scottsdale Deputy Fire Chief Adam Hoster. This is what he had to say:

• Looking at the proposal for a local scholarship opportunity, how does this help the local fire department cadet program?

This is a really great opportunity for the Scottsdale Fire department cadet program. Having the SFD cadets apply for this scholarship really sets their sights for higher education and for promotional opportunities once the SFD cadet gets hired on the job full-time with the fire department. This scholarship is really meant for motivated cadets to obtain their EMT certification and possibly their AA degree from a community college in fire science.

• At this point, what role will the Scottsdale Fire Department play in the administration of the scholarship?

Once all applications have been received, an SFD representative will be placed on the oral board to review and interview the qualified candidates along with other Charro representatives.

• Can you tell me a bit about the cadet program?

The SFD cadet program was established around five years ago. We currently have about 25 active SFD cadet members. The SFD cadets participate in bimonthly drills, where they have an opportunity for a hands-on learning environment with everything pertaining to the job of firefighting.

This includes PT, donning and doffing fire gear and SCBA, pulling fire hoses, search-and-rescue techniques, and climbing ladders just to name a few. SFD cadets are also required to volunteer at least 10 hours per month. This includes making FD deliveries to stations, helping out at the city of Scottsdale special events like Barret-Jackson and the WM Phoenix Open. Minimum qualifications to become an SFD cadet are: 18 years old; high school diploma or GED equivalent; EMT certification or be registered in an EMT course at a Community College.

• Any other particulars you think our readers ought to be aware of?

The SFD cadet program has been extremely successful in building and developing SFD cadets in becoming firefighter recruits for the City of Scottsdale Fire Department and for other valley fire departments.