How old do I have to be to join the Junior Cadet Program?
You must be at least 14 years old and have already graduated the 8th grade. You must also be 18 years old or younger and enrolled in high school prior to the beginning of Recruit Class.
After I sign up, how long does my name stay on the waiting list for the next Recruit Class?
It will stay there until we call you for the next available spot in the Recruit Class or until you turn 19, whichever comes first. When we reach your name on the list, we will attempt to notify you three (3) times before we move to the next person on the waiting list. It is important for you to let us know if your contact information changes while you are on the waiting list.
Do my parents need to come with me if I attend a meeting to observe the program, or to sign up for the Recruit Class waiting list?
No, parents are not required to come with you to observe a meeting or sign up, but they are welcome to join you, if they would like. Your parents will only be required to attend an Advisor-Parent Meeting once you are selected to participate in a Recruit Class.
Is the Junior Cadet Program co-ed?
Yes, boys and girls between the ages of 14 and 18 are equally welcome in the Junior Cadet Program, and the current enrollment includes a mix of both.
Do I have to pay for the Recruit Class?
There is no tuition for the Recruit Class, but there is a one-time fee which covers the cost of books, supplies, and the certification cards earned during the CPR and First Responder courses that are included in the Recruit Class. This fee can vary slightly from one Recruit Class to another depending on current costs, but it is usually around $40 (forty dollars) total.
After graduating from the Recruit Class, is there a cost for participating in the Junior Cadet Program?
Yes. After the student completes the Recruit Class and becomes a Junior Cadet, the student is asked to pay $5.00 (five dollars) a month to help offset the cost of food, equipment, supplies, and activities that are included in the Junior Cadet Program.
Do Junior Cadets wear a uniform?
During participation in the Recruit Class, the student is responsible for obtaining and wearing:
After graduating the Recruit Class, each Junior Cadet is issued a complete uniform for use during Junior Cadet activities and events. However, the student will be required to obtain black steel-toe boots.
Do Junior Cadets ride on active Miami Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) units?
Yes. Once the student has graduated from the Recruit Class, the Junior Cadet will be allowed to ride on the MDFR rescue unit of their choice. During ride-along assignments, the Junior Cadet will respond to emergency calls and assist rescue crews with tasks that are appropriate for their level of training and expertise.
Do students receive community service hours for being in the Junior Cadet Program, and can they be used for high school requirements?
Yes. Once the student graduates from the Recruit Class, the Junior Cadet will receive community service hours for all first aid and community service events that he/she attends. Typically, a Junior Cadet earns an average of 125 to 200 community service hours per year, depending on how active they choose to be in service activities.
Do I have to maintain a certain high school grade point average (GPA) in order to participate in the Junior Cadet Program?
Yes. Junior Cadets must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher while in high school. If the GPA drops below 2.0, the Junior Cadet will be placed on probation until the next report card, but will be allowed to continue attending the weekly meetings. If the Junior Cadet does not raise his/her GPA during the probation period, he/she will be suspended from the program.
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