Fire Cadet program

The Calgary Fire Department Cadet Program provides high school students the opportunity to learn about what it takes to be a firefighter, through teaching life-skills like leadership, community involvement, teamwork, pride and respect. Through theoretical and practical training, Fire Cadets learn basic firefighting skills, and, how to apply those skills and values into daily activities.

If you’re a teenager who is excited about the Calgary Fire Department and interested in learning valuable life skills in a hands-on, high-intensity environment, consider applying to the Fire Cadet program.

Applications for the 2026 program are being accepted until March 25, 2026.

Through the generous support of ATCO, the cost to students is minimal. There is a $150 fee for each semester. All necessary uniforms and learning materials will be provided.

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• Be 14 to 17 years old at the time of application and beginning Grade 10 or 11 in September of this intake year.
• Be enrolled in high school in Calgary or the surrounding area (Airdrie, Crossfield, Okotoks, High River, Strathmore, etc.).
• Understand and be able and willing to commit to the demands of this 18-month program, including weekly self-study, weekly in-person training, and a minimum number of required volunteer hours within the community.
• Have a desire to learn and grow with an enthusiastic and inclusive attitude.
   

The Youth Fire Cadet Program is an initiative of the Calgary Fire Department (CFD), in partnership with the Calgary Board of Education , Calgary Catholic School District, local area private school boards and surrounding school districts with corporate sponsorship from ATCO.

The Fire Cadet Program began in 2000 when four CFD staff saw the potential for a youth-focused program that would utilize fire department training methods to teach students important life skills such as leadership, teamwork, pride, and respect.

Since that time, more than 600 students from the Calgary area have participated in the Fire Cadet Program and graduated with incredible life skills.

The Fire Cadet Program is an 18-month program that takes place over three semesters following the CBE Instructional Calendar school year. There are three levels, with Level 1 and 2 running from September through June, and Level 3 after the summer break, beginning in September with graduation in December.

At the end of each semester Cadets receive a certificate of achievement for the level of training he or she has completed. Each new class of 20 high school-age Cadets are challenged in a variety of ways ranging including self-discipline for at-home study, service-to-others through volunteering and community involvement, and experiential learning through in-person education and training one day a week. 

Cadets report to the Calgary Fire Training Academy each Wednesday night from 6 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. for classroom lessons and practical training. There will be weeknight and weekend commitments to facilitate special events or volunteer opportunities, but these opportunities are selected by the cadet allowing the accommodation of personal schedules. Fire Cadets can also earn program achievement awards in the program as well as earn high-school credits applicable to their high-school graduation requirements.

The program gives high-school students a chance to learn and build on the CFD values of Pride, Professionalism, Teamwork and Respect. The program emphasizes these values and teaches leadership, community involvement, and mentorship.

Weekly classes involve in-class learning, hands-on skill development, or a combination of both. Cadets learn basic firefighter skills, including:

• Fire hose handling
• Search and rescue
• Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) training
• Vehicle extrication

Instruction on each topic not only focuses on the specific skill being learned, but on how to integrate the skills and values learned into daily activities. By doing so, the Fire Cadet Program is helping to transform youth into young adults with the skills and vision to imrpove our community.