ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Bunker boots need to be filled at St. Petersburg Fire Rescue.

Since January 2018, more than 20 firefighters have retired.

"Those 22 firefighters equals over 600 plus years of experience, so the cadet program is a way for us to get people who seek careers in the fire service into our program and get them trained," said Division Chief, Keith Watts "And get them in some capacity to start replace those that are leaving."

The fire cadet program was the perfect path for 29-year-old Anthony Harris, who decided it was time to answer his calling.

"It's something that's already instilled in you and it's just about making that conscious decision to do what it takes to become a firefighter," said Harris.

The program pays while training cadets academically and physically.

"The program provides the fire academy training which is about 4 to 5 months, it also provides emergency medical technician training which is about 5 months and it's a full scholarship," said Chief Watts.

Once certifications and qualifications are completed, the cadet is eligible for employment with the department.

"Knowing that I had that pretty much sealed, I was going to start right away once I finished schooling and that they paid for schooling was a blessing," said Harris.

Harris, now a Firefighter/EMT, has been active with SPFR a year and a half.

A new first responder who already knows it takes a certain someone to fill firefighters' boots.

"We run calls and see stuff that you can't unsee, we deal with real life emergencies, people call us on their worst day and you have to be able to deal with that on top of do you job the best way possible."

The St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Cadet position is designed to provide a fire service career path opportunity to individuals seeking employment as a firefighter with St. Petersburg Fire Rescue.

Candidates hired as Fire Cadets are provided with the education and training required to obtain Firefighter and EMT certifications, no prior training or experience is required. These members are then eligible to be transitioned to the Firefighter job classification with the City of St. Petersburg.

Requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Be a citizen of the United States
  • Be a high school graduate or received a GED
  • Possess a valid driver's license
  • Be in good physical and mental health
  • Be drug-free and tobacco-free