High School Fire Science Cadet Program - Introduction of Junior Class

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930

Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) and the Prince George's County Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department officially introduced the second class of students of the High School Fire Science Cadet Program. The 18 Junior (11^th grade) year students will join the 19 Seniors 12^th grade) in this 2-year program that involves training for the next generation of firefighters and emergency medical personnel. This morning’s event was held at the St. Josephs Community Fire/EMS Station in Springdale that serves as the base of operations for the cadet program.

In addition to cadet introductions the instructors and staff of the cadet program were introduced as well.

This two-year program will allow students to take fire and emergency medical services classes, while providing 17 college credits to those who successfully complete the curriculum. Additionally, students will graduate from the program with all necessary training to be nationally certified as firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians.

Prince George’s County Council Chair Andrea C. Harrison, Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor, PGCPS CEO Dr. Kevin M. Maxwell, Flowers HS Principal Gorman Brown, Community Advisory Council President Orlando Bego and Chair of the Program Advisory Committee Darrell Odom all spoke of the advantages of the Cadet Program and each referenced the “opportunity” that cadets have earned by being accepted into the program.

Charles Flowers High School was selected partly because of its close proximity to the Department’s St. Josephs Fire/EMS Station #806. The station, which is adjacent the school, has both a training tower and classroom. Students can walk the 200 or so yards to the station where they will receive instruction in fire and emergency medical services.

High School Cadets will report to the Fire/EMS station at about 11:30 am each school day and will remain until the end of the regular school day at around 2:00 pm.