CSFPD kicks off new student firefighter program
Three Cadets on board
Katie Schimanskey, Amy Wenzel and David Yerkman sorted through boots, coats, pants and helmets at Colorado Sierra Fire Station 1, right after the volleyball games on September 10th. They’re the first to sign up for CSFPD’s Fire and Emergency Medical Services Cadet Program. The new program is the brainchild of CSFPD Deputy Chief Chris Schimanskey who announced his plans, and ulterior motive, at the May meeting of the Timberline Fire Authority. Schimanskey is on the TFA Board of Directors. “I’m hoping to pick up one or two young firefighters each year,” he said, “We need new blood.” It doesn’t get much newer; these kids are still in high school. If they complete the 60 hours of training over the course of the calendar year, Schimanskey and Yerkman will earn half a credit hour at Gilpin School. Wenzel attends school in Nederland and the school credit hasn’t been worked out there, yet. That’s okay; she said she doesn’t need the credit. She just thought the program was a good thing to do. Schimanskey and Yerkman echoed that sentiment. The girls are the daughters of current CSFPD firefighters so aren’t new to the world of volunteer firefighters. The bunker gear was a new experience, however. “It’s heavy,” they said, “and hot.”
The program is for 16 and 17 year-olds. They’ll learn communications and radio protocol, scene safety, equipment operation (including Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, called “SCBA’s”), the various vehicles and tools (like those used to free people trapped in cars), medical procedures and how to fight both structure and wildland fires. Once they’re trained and are 18 years old, they’ll be able to drive the trucks, providing they have a valid driver’s license. Completing this program gives the Cadets Level III status. They can then be issued pagers and may be toned to respond to emergency incidents (with parental consent and waiver), driving their own vehicles. (They must be 18 to participate in live fire situations.) That might take them out of classes occasionally, but that’s been okayed by their principal, Schimanskey said. Principal Alexis Donaldson also confirmed that Cadets who achieve certification in medical training can put their skills to use as athletic trainers. Once the Cadets attain Level III status, those who are 18 can also be considered for Recruit status-entry into CSFPD as a regular firefighter.
Deputy Chief Schimanskey was determined to make the program work for the kids, even if only one had signed up. He’s coordinating training around school tests, sports and other extracurricular activities and told the Cadets he’d work with them if they couldn’t make a training session. “Just let me know ahead of time,” he requested. When there are no interruptions, that training will be approximately five hours per month. Participation in the program requires parental permission. Schimanskey noted the students will never be alone with less than two adult firefighters. There will be classes tailored just for them, but much of their training will be in conjunction with that of the regular CSFPD firefighters.
The Cadet program isn’t for everyone. The physical, mental and emotional demands are challenging, as they are for adult firefighters, but the intent is to provide students with growth opportunities in community service and caring for others in a safe and fun atmosphere. Cadets who find they have a liking and an aptitude for emergency response will also find a welcome at CSFPD.
When he first began developing the program, Schimanskey commented, “If I get just one recruit out of this, it’s worth it.” Noting manpower would really be stretched in the event of a wildland fire, he repeated that statement while the Cadets tried on their gear. Right now he’s got three on their way to being able to help and there’s still room for more. Firefighters work as partners and teams. So do many students. Schimanskey is hoping they will spread the word to their buddies and teammates at school. For planning purposes, he would like to hear from interested students by October 1st. It’s okay if someone is interested but can’t start right away. “If they want to get the training, I’ll figure out a way to get it to them,” said Schimanskey. For more information, call 303-582-5786 or e-mail coloradosierrafire@yahoo.com.