Gladwyne Fire Co. Launches Cadet Program

The Gladwyne Fire Co. has started a cadet program that will allow teens between the ages of 14 and 16 to train with the company.

"Much like an after-school sport, the fire company provides physical training, teamwork, and a valid substance in a member’s life," the company explained in a release, adding that while cadets will have limited fire ground responsibilities, they will serve the company at events and around the station.

While the company previously had a junior program that allowed would-be firemen to join in a limited capacity at 16, on Monday, the fire company's board voted unanimously to open the facility to younger teens. At the meeting, Gladwyne chief Blaine Lewis jump-started the program by inducting its first two cadets, Michael Hand and Justin Fusaro.

According to the company, in recent years it has had a hard time recruiting new members, a problem it hopes the cadet program mitigates.