Fire Cadet Program

The Orange County Fire Authority Fire Cadet Program is a hands-on fire service program for young people ages 16 to 21 in Orange County, California. Run by OCFA, it is built around team-oriented learning activities, and the agency says participants who are physically fit and bring a positive attitude and a good work ethic tend to enjoy it and do well. New members start with a ten-week Fire Cadet Trainee Academy that teaches basic skills. The first nine weeks take place at a Fire Cadet Post, where trainees complete a series of entry-level classes, and the tenth week ends with a comprehensive final exam at OCFA Headquarters. Trainees who finish the academy become full members of the program and are certified to go on ride-alongs. OCFA runs the trainee academy once per year. The program meets in person. Cadet posts are based at OCFA fire stations around the county, including in Westminster, Yorba Linda, Tustin, Aliso Viejo, Irvine, San Clemente, Rancho Santa Margarita, Buena Park, Santa Ana and Garden Grove. Each post meets once a week on a Monday through Thursday evening, in a three-hour block between 5:00 and 9:00 p.m. OCFA's program page does not list a cost.

Ages 16 to 21. Must keep a GPA of 2.0 or higher (or hold a high school diploma/GED), have no arrests or convictions, and follow fire-safe grooming standards; applicants over 18 must pass a background check. Apply by submitting the online interest form and choosing a cadet post; candidates are then contacted for a detailed application that includes a current report card.