How can I become a cadet?
See the Become a Cadet page for further information.
What does cadet training consist of?
Upon admission to the cadet program, cadets begin the cadet basic training program. The basic training is designed to provide the cadet with an opportunity to develop positive peer/mentor relationships, develop an introductory knowledge base of various firefighting tools and equipment, and allow the cadet post advisor an opportunity to evaluate the appropriateness of the cadet advancing to ride-along certification.
Training includes the study of firefighting tools and equipment, and may include proficiency exercises that may be observed by other cadets, the post advisor, and possibly on-duty fire department members. Such proficiency exercises should last no longer than ten minutes. A simple and basic introductory level of knowledge is considered satisfactory. Dependent upon the cadet's participation at scheduled post meetings and his or her level of personal commitment to training, the basic training period should normally last no longer than 3 to 6 months (approximately 100 hours of supervised cadet activity), after which the cadet may be considered for advancement to ride-along certification.
Basic cadet training is provided by the post advisor, assistant advisor(s) and associate advisor(s). Additionally, on-duty fire station personnel may assist with basic training.
Are cadets insured?
During the application process, each cadet and associate advisor will apply to become a member of the City of Los Angeles, Mayor's Volunteer Corps. Once the application is completed and accepted, the City of Los Angeles will provide limited medical coverage for the volunteer.
This specialty medical coverage applies only if the volunteer has no other insurance, or in excess of any other insurance available to the cadet. Currently, insurance coverage provides for medical and accident coverage with exclusions.
For additional information, consult with a post advisor.
How does a cadet qualify to ride-along?
Cadets, 16 years or age or older, who have successfully completed a supervised introductory basic training period and received the recommendation of the post advisor, will be certified to ride-along on LAFD heavy apparatus.
Before being certified for ride-along certification, cadets will have received training and completed the basic proficiency exercises on the following items:
- Cadet Manual
- Fire station daily routine/housework assignments
- Personal protective equipment (all items)
- Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
- Scene safety and traffic control considerations
- Engine company inventory (tools/equipment location)
- Ascending and descending ground ladders
- Overhaul procedures
- Fire extinguishers
- Infectious disease protocols and decontamination of equipment
- Nozzles
- Hayward/crowbar
- Pickhead axe
- Trauma box
- Use of gurney
Following the successful completion of the required basic training and upon approval of the post advisor, the cadet will be ride-along certified. The cadet will be issued an LAFD patch prior to beginning ride-alongs.
A ride-along "probationary period" will be served by each cadet during the first six months of ride-along certification. During this period, ride-alongs will normally occur only at the cadet's post work location.
Following the cadet's ride-along probationary period, cadets demonstrating satisfactory performance may apply to ride-along within the administrative battalion, or at other LAFD work locations, with prior approval of the post advisor.
Additional ride-along information can be obtained from a pst advisor.
Do cadets wear a uniform?
Yes. Cadet uniforms provide a source of pride, positive morale and are used to identify youth as members of the cadet program. Cadets are required to purchase and maintain uniform items to participate in the program. The following minimum work uniform items are the responsibility of the cadet:
- LAFD "Cadet" navy blue t-shirt
- Navy blue work pants (denim or Levi pants are not acceptable)
- Black belt with buckle
- Black smooth leather work shoes/boots with steel toe
- Athletic attire and footwear
The LAFD provides each cadet with a light blue collared shirt with shoulder "cadet" patch. This shirt shall be worn with other work uniform items during all cadet events where the public is present. Upon "ride-along" certification, the cadet will be issued a ride-along badge patch to be sewn onto the light blue collared work shirt. This shirt and the patch remain the property of the LAFD and must be returned by the cadet to the post advisor upon program separation.
Does the LAFD provide safety equipment?
Yes. Post advisors provide cadets with the following items depending upon the work being performed or the location.
- Personal protective clothing items (turnout coat and pants)
- Black firefighting helmet
- Rain jacket
- High visibility vest
- Work gloves
- Goggles
Are cadets required to maintain grooming and attire standards?
Yes. Cadets represent the LAFD and are required to maintain a neat and professional appearance. While participating in the cadet program, cadets shall keep their hair neat, clean and well groomed. Hair shall not be allowed to extend below the bottom edge of the short collar. Hair shall be maintained so as not to interfere with vision or the donning of personnel protective equipment.
Cadets' fingernails shall not extend more than 1/4" beyond the tip of the fingers not interfere in any way with safety. Cadets wearing fingernail polish shall use a conservative shade, without decals or ornamentation. Fingernail polish shall not detract from their uniform appearance.
Female cadets may wear make-up. Make-up must be worn modestly and reflect a professional appearance.
Cadets that have tattoos shall keep the tattoos covered consistent with official LAFD policy.
Civilian clothing worn by cadets shall be in good taste and appropriate to his/her assignment. Clothing that is suggestive or that reflects poorly upon the LAFD and the cadet program shall not be worn during any cadet function.
Questions regarding the appropriateness of a cadet's grooming or attire shall be decided by the post advisor. Additional guidance and direction may be provided by an on-duty officer as the cadet post.