The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Cadet Program is a youth oriented program focusing on a vocational study of a professional firefighting career with the City of San Diego.

The program's mission is to enable Cadets to better understand a firefighting career through an experience that balances both classroom and hands-on learning.

Each Cadet will learn mental and physical wellness, a sense of self-responsibility, personal growth, leadership, teamwork and fire prevention skills.

  • The Program

    SDFD Cadets participate in manipulative and didactic exercises taught by SDFD personnel. These classes are taught to current SDFD standards.

    Cadets, once certified, are able to participate in a ride-along program. The ride-alongs are designed to allow Cadets to observe SDFD crews in a non-hazardous fashion. Cadets are able to interact with firefighters throughout a shift. The Cadets have the opportunity to observe and participate in station life.
    New Cadets are accepted quarterly.
    Please send an email to sdfdcadets@sandiego.gov to be added to the waitlist.

    Include name, date of birth, and that you’re interested in joining the Cadet Program.

  • Is This Just For Those Who Want To Be a Firefighter?

    Not Necessarily. The San Diego Fire-Rescue Cadet Program helps build many important skill sets.


    Some Cadets will use this opportunity to build a foundation from which they will go on to become firefighters, or work in emergency response services.
    Other Cadets will use the skills they gain to explore other career options. Pride, commitment, courage, leadership and teamwork are applicable and useful life skills to develop for many professions.

  • What do Fire Cadets Do?

    The San Diego Fire-Rescue Cadet Program offers controlled, hands-on learning experiences.
    Cadets will have the opportunity to:

    Cut apart cars using vehicle extrication tools

    Practice search and rescue techniques

    Rope rescue techniques

    Learn CPR and advanced first aid

    Explore different firefighting trucks

    Fight real fires in controlled scenarios

    And much more!

  • Who Can Apply?

    The program is open to any male or female between the ages of 16-21. Each Cadet is required to have a 2.0 minimum GPA.

    New Cadets are added into the Program Quarterly.

    The Cadet Program involves many hands-on and team-oriented learning activities.
    Those who are physically fit, possess a positive attitude and a good work ethic will enjoy and excel in this program.

Cadet Academy

To be eligible, you must be between 16 and 21 years old. Members must also maintain a 2.0 GPA.
SDFD Cadets participate in manipulative and didactic exercises taught by SDFD personnel. These classes are taught to current SDFD standards.
Cadets, once certified, are able to participate in a ride-along program. The ride-alongs are designed to allow Cadets to observe SDFD crews in a non-hazardous fashion. Cadets are able to interact with firefighters throughout a shift. The Cadets have the opportunity to observe and participate in station life.
New Cadets are accepted quarterly.
Please send an email to sdfdcadets@sandiego.gov to be added to the waitlist. Include name, date of birth, and that you’re interested in joining the Cadet Program.

Commitment

The City of San Diego maintains a firm commitment to the principles and implementations of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). The SDFD Cadet Program will help prepare the SDFD with future firefighters that will reflect the ethnic diversity of the greater San Diego Community.

The Cadet Academy is held for one week each summer.  The academy is structured similar to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Fire Department's Basic Fire Academy. Cadets are instructed in a variety of manipulative exercises including hose lays, ladders, and search/rescue.  They also participate in a challenging physical fitness program. 

Jr. Camp

Please send an email to sdfdcadets@sandiego.gov to be added to the waitlist. Include name, date of birth, and that you’re interested in joining Jr. Camp.