Youth
The Tallahassee Fire Department (TFD) provides programs for youth who may be interested in the fire service or are looking for more information about fire safety.
Tallahassee Fire Cadet Program
The Tallahassee Fire Department Cadet Program is open to local youth ages 14-18 who are interested in a fire service career. As representatives of TFD, cadets are expected to be responsible, committed to learning and ready to give 100% effort while in class or serving the community.
Cadets meet one Sunday each month from 1-5 p.m. at TFD's training division, 2964 Major James Morgan Jr. Way. Classes are taught by TFD firefighters, EMTs and paramedics.
The current class is full. New application period will open August 1, 2025.
The program offers continuous learning opportunities. Cadets receive scenario-based training in a wide variety of fire service skills. Light physical training will be included in each class. Skills taught in the program include:
- Hose line use
- Ladder use
- Search/rescue
- Forcible entry
- Car extrication
- Rappelling (ropes/knots)
- Emergency medical services
- CPR
Cadets also have the opportunity to ride along with TFD members responding to emergency calls and participate in various community service events.
There is no cost to participate in TFD's Cadet Program. For more information, contact us at firecadets@talgov.com.
Fire Safety for Kids
Meet Sparky, TFD's newest member. Sparky joined the Tallahassee Fire Department to help educate children and their parents on how to prevent fires and how to react when fire strikes. He is always escorted by a Firefighter who assists with public education activities and lessons. If you haven't heard Sparky talk about the importance of fire safety, here are some important points he always shares:
- Test your smoke alarms once a month and change the batteries once a year.
- Plan and practice a home fire escape plan.
- Know two ways out of every room.
- Have a meeting place outside your home in case of fire.
- Crawl low under smoke.
- Stop, drop, and roll if your clothes catch fire.
- Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
Sparky's Favorite Links