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Cadet Program

Start your career before you graduate.

The Payette Fire Cadet Program gives high-school students a real seat in the fire service — training, gear, and a crew — years before most people get the chance.

Cadets train alongside our firefighters, learn the job from the ground up, and take on real responsibility at their own level. It is not a field trip — it's an apprenticeship in public service.

Many of the people on our roster started exactly this way. If you're thinking about the fire service, the academy, or an EMS career, this is the front door.

“Dedicated to building trust, fostering safety, and strengthening the bonds of our city.”

The department credo — it applies to cadets too

The back of a Payette Fire Cadet shirt, lettered PAYETTE FIRE CADET in yellow

Many of the people on this roster started as teenagers. The cadet program is the front door.

Who can apply

The bar is real, and we hold it. These are the requirements a cadet meets to join and keeps meeting to stay.

Age
16 to 18 years old at the time of application.
Grade level
Currently enrolled as a high-school sophomore, junior, or senior.
Academic standing
Maintain a 2.5 GPA or better and stay in good standing at school.
Attendance
Attend at least two drills per month and one department training night.
Parental consent
Written consent from a parent or legal guardian is required for applicants under 18.
Background
No felony convictions; background check required. A clean record is expected and maintained.
Physical
Able to meet a basic physical standard and provide a physician's clearance.
Conduct
No drug or alcohol use. Cadets represent this department in public and are held to it.

What a cadet actually does

Cadets do

  • Ride along on calls in a non-hazardous support role
  • Train on hose, ladders, tools, and SCBA
  • Learn fire behavior, rescue basics, and incident command
  • Help at open houses, parades, and prevention events
  • Earn a path toward Firefighter I and EMS certification

Cadets never

  • Enter a burning structure or any IDLH atmosphere
  • Operate apparatus
  • Perform any task beyond their training and age

Cadets are students, not firefighters. Every task is matched to their age and training, and an officer is responsible for them on every call.

How selection works

01

Fill out the application — your details, emergency contacts, and medical information.

02

Write a 500-word essay about what interests you in the fire service, and attach it.

03

Have a parent or guardian sign the consent form and the contract of understanding.

04

Pass a background check. A felony conviction prevents membership.

Ready to apply?

Print it, fill it out, and bring it to the station or email it to the department. A parent or guardian signs it too, and a 500-word essay comes with it.

Download application

PDF · 4 pages — application, parental consent, and contract of understanding. The form is titled the Junior Firefighter Program Application.

How to turn it in

Three ways to get it back to us — whichever is easiest for you:

  • Print it, fill it out by hand, and drop it off at the station.
  • Fill it out on your computer (most PDF apps let you type right on it) and email it in.
  • Or fill it out by hand, scan or photograph it, and email it.

Email it to the Chief:

Questions before you start? Call the station at 208·642·6028.

Emergency 911 208·642·6028