On Saturday, the Connecticut Fire Academy celebrated its latest group of 28 cadets who’ve completed the introduction to fire service program.

The week-long course trains teenagers across the state between the ages of 14-17 years old on how to become successful firefighters. 

There are two separate introductory weeks along with a third week focused on advanced training, but cadets must first complete the introductory course, according to P.J Norwood, Director of Training at the Connecticut Fire Academy. 

“It’s a full week camp where we introduce them to skills, tactics and training within the Connecticut Fire Service and we bring these cadets from all across the state and we group them together and we build one big team,” Norwood said. 

The academy has been conducting training for decades.

Norwood added as it becomes more difficult to find qualified individuals, it’s these types of opportunities that prepare cadets to build a career in firefighting. 

“This opportunity allows them to learn what the fire service is about, learn quality fire service, public safety and life skills and get them engaged in the fire service. The majority of our cadets will go on to be successful volunteer firefighters, career firefighters or public safety professionals.”

Timothy Shove, 15, of Clinton was one of the 28 cadets who successfully completed the introductory training course.

“I learned mostly how to search and how to use a radio, I didn’t know how to use a radio. I also learned how to raise a ladder, a bunch of stuff and it was very important to me.” 

Shove said for him it was a great experience and looks forward to one day becoming a firefighter.

“My dad’s my inspiration right here and it’s just really something I enjoy,” Shove said.

Michael Shove, Assistant Chief at Guilford Fire Department, expressed pride at his son following in his footsteps. 

“Watching when we dropped him off on Sunday to where he is today and watching all the cadets out here actually go through a full fire evolution is amazing.” 

To celebrate the end of the course, cadets demonstrated an emergency fire scenario to family and friends.