The New Boston Volunteer Fire Department has reinstated the cadet program to allow high school students a chance to become certified firefighters.
“The New Boston Volunteer Fire Department is taking proactive steps to create opportunities that not only benefit our community but also shape the futures of our younger generation,” said Chris Taillon, chief of the NBVFD.
“ The fire and emergency medical service offer incredibly fulfilling and dynamic career paths. However, many young people may be unaware of these options or feel uncertain about where to begin. By actively recruiting younger members, our fire department aims to ignite a passion for these vital roles from an early age.”
The program welcomed its first round of recruits in Joe Roberts, Devon Walker, Payton Keener, Jacob Emerick, Gabe Glass and Karli Hooks, all high school students from Redwater, Hooks and New Boston.
Aaron Davlin, a 19-yearold firefighter, was tasked with the job of recruiting.
It was a role he took great pride in, Taillon said.
“We’ve barely had anybody showing up to calls … We’re just trying to build our team up and get ready for the future generation of firefighters. Not many people want to do it or spend their own time doing this stuff because they’re not getting paid or don’t have the time. I’m very excited they joined because we need firefighters,” Davlin said.
Davlin said he began the process by talking to friends and word spread from there.
Most of the students said they joined the program because they wanted to learn a new skill and give back to the community. But for Gabe, the reason was a little more personal.
“I had a house fire in July,” Gabe said.
That experience and seeing what all went into helping a family in their time of need, he said, led him to want to help others in similar situations.
The cadet program is not new to the NBVFD, but it hasn’t been in practice for several years.
“About ten years back we had a cadet program. They would come up here and wash firetrucks, run smaller calls and train with us,” said Luke Stephens, assistant chief. “After those guys, the cadet program went by the wayside … So this program is fresh. We’re starting off with these guys right here and as they age out, we’ll bring more in.”
One of the biggest concerns of the program, Stephens added, is ensuring the safety of the youth and the team.
“As their training develops and as their awareness develops, then they will be able to respond to more critical events,” he said.
While the young men of the group said they are excited to learn the firefighting aspect, Karli said she is most interested in learning to become an emergency medical responder.
All volunteers within the department are certified through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection which requires a working knowledge of emergency medical response procedures. The department provides that training at no cost to the participants, Stephens said.
The skills training they learn will allow them to take their training into a future career.
“Beginning a career in fire and EMS services at a young age offers numerous benefits. Early exposure helps individuals develop essential skills, understand the demands and rewards of the profession and build a solid foundation for future growth,” Taillon said.
Taillon said he is excited about the prospects that come from having a young-er generation of upcoming firefighters.
“Investing in the younger generation is not just about ensuring the future of our fire department, it’s about building a stronger, more resilient community. By fostering an environment where young people are encouraged to explore careers in fire and EMS services, we create a pipeline of dedicated professionals who are committed to the safety and well-being of our community,” he said. “By encouraging young people to volunteer, we not only help them gain handson experience but also instill a sense of civic duty and community pride. Volunteering in fire and EMS services is a noble pursuit that teaches valuable life lessons, such as teamwork, discipline, and leadership.”
Davlin agreed. “Being here at the fire department is rewarding … especially being able to help people in the community,” he said.
