Broomall Fire Co. Honors Its First Class of Cadet Firefighters in Badge Ceremony

BROOMALL–Since April, 14 young residents have been training in an intensive firefighting training course. Those pariticipants were honored at a recent badge ceremony on Nov. 17 at the fire house for completion of the .

The 14 cadets received four badges at the ceremony: Hose Line Fire Extinguisher Badge–the cadets learned how to properly use a fire extinguisher, built  their own fire extinguishers for home use and used their own extinguishers to put out a fire and how to properly work a hose line; Ladder Badge–the cadets learned how to properly operate a ladder; Tool Badge–the cadets went through three classes starting from basic hand tools to hydraulic hand tools; and a medal presented by K-9 recovery handler and Haverford Paramedics Chief Jim McCans.

Though the night marked the cadets' end to the firefighter program, Director of Broomall Cadet Firefighter Program Andy Tucker, said it wasn't the end.

"Tonight is not a conclusion," said Tucker at the ceremony. "They will come back in January–they'll be certified in CPR and first aid by the assistant director of Haverford Paramedics, followed by learning about ropes and get a demonstration on repelling, emergency communications, they'll be taking a field trip out to our 911 center, and they'll be getting into more advanced firefighting duties."

The 2011 cadets included Pat Carr, Andrew Tucker, Jake Robinson, Kevin Robinson, Larry O'Connor Jr., Aaron Abrams, Conner Murrin, Oleg Kariouk, Katya Kariouk, Brian Corey, Mark Feeny, Nick Price, Raul Francis and Keagan Kleinschmidt.

Tucker said next class of cadets will begin training in April 2012. The Broomall Fire Co. is currently accepting applications for the next class now. To apply or for more information, visit their website here.