After some doubt about whether it would get off the ground, the Riverside Volunteer Fire Department’s cadet program is officially a go. Two students from Highland High School will be taking part in the maiden voyage of the cadet program, which is set to begin immediately. At their most recent meeting, the Riverside City Council unanimously approved Garitt Thomann and Riley Grecian as new cadet members of the fire department. Fire Chief Chad Smothers had hoped for perhaps a few more cadets for the program, but he’s excited to show the students the ropes.

As far as the responsibilities of the cadets, Smothers says they would respond to calls with the fire department, though they won’t engage in interior structural firefighting. They’ll most help with outside support functions, such as getting equipment set up or staged, assist with rehab, and carry bags to help out. The cadet program is patterned after a similar program in the Columbus Junction Fire Department, and it’s purpose is to spark recruitment of new members. It’s offered to students age 16-18, and anyone interested in joining the program in the future is encouraged to reach out to the Riverside Fire Department, or to the Highland administration.