New Mexico residents can always count on their firefighters to respond to a call quickly. Now youth working with the Santa Fe County youth fire cadet program are among those who people can depend.

"Anybody from the age of 14 to 18 has
an opportunity of joining the department to learn a lot of different skills and to train," Tesuque Volunteer Fire District Chief JD Damron said. His department has three cadets who help with a variety of tasks on both fire and medical scenes.

Cadets can be found directing traffic, helping to supply emergency medical technicians with medical supplies, setting up fire hoses and supporting firefighters in "rehab" after they come back from entering a burning building.

"Once they have completed the firefighter basic class they are able to do just about all fire ground functions other than going inside a burning building," Damron said.

"We teach them some of the basic knowledge of fire ground activities and support jobs that they can do on the scene that does not directly involve actual interior or exterior structural firefighting," said Jim Lovell, the fire-training lieutenant for Santa Fe County.

Besides helping the firefighters, the program also teaches youth valuable skills about firefighting.

"Volunteering for the fire department is a great way of getting acquainted with it and starting to want to further your knowledge," said Molly Talbert, a cadet with the Tesuque fire department and a recent graduate of Santa Fe Preparatory School. "It's a lot of fun, and it's pretty easy to learn."

Some youth have taken the program as a step toward a future career in firefighting.

"I'm probably going to end up being a firefighter," Joey Holmesmeyer said. Holmesmeyer, 18, was inspired to become a firefighter after receiving his EMT certification while getting his GED at Santa Fe Community College.

"I can do everything a paid firefighter can do, except make an interior fire attack," Holmesmeyer said. "It's been a really great opportunity."

"I am glad the program is there," Damron said. "I think it is a great opportunity for younger kids to learn."

Lovell said that by the end of their time as cadets, "They have a lot of knowledge and experience under their belts."

It also helps the department in the recruitment of volunteer firefighters, which ensures that the Santa Fe County Fire Department can serve the entire county quickly and effectively. The program is open to anyone age 14-18, and they can contact the Santa Fe County fire chief at 992-3070.

"It's a good way for them to get their foot in the door for fire and EMS, and hopefully it will spark that interest to continue through the volunteer ranks or maybe even go to the paid side at some point," Lovell said.

Talbert said she got a different appreciation out of it, not only for her community, but also for the first responders she trains with. "You don't realize that many of them are not being paid for their time, and that they are doing it because they love the work — they realize how important and how valuable they are for the community."



Alex Wirth is a junior at Santa Fe Prep. You can reach him at AlxWirth@gmail.com.