The Costa Mesa Cadet program gives young people valuable insight into the fire-fighting profession. This insight will allow the individual to decide whether or not he or she desires to pursue a career in the fire service. During the meetings firefighters teach various skills that can be used to train for and enter the fire service. The Cadet program not only teaches each individual skills that will help them through his or her academy training, but it will also help them get a career as a firefighter. It teaches them what departments look for in a firefighter and how to present themselves as the best candidate for the position.

During the bi-monthly meetings the firefighters hold classroom lessons or give manipulative training. Some of the more basic classes that are taught are: ropes and knots, ladders, hose evaluations, self-contained breathing apparatus, basic Emergency Medical Technician skills, and the inventory on the various fire apparatuses in the city. During these classes Cadets are given the opportunity to perform many of the firefighting skills they have been taught.

These skills are required for the Cadet to become ride-along certified. When a Cadet becomes ride-along certified they have the opportunity to schedule a day with the firefighters to come to the station to ride along on calls and gain experience and an understanding of the basic skills required of firefighters today. 

The firefighting profession is not only about putting out fires and saving people’s lives. Being a firefighter means that you work with the community: from teaching children what to do in emergencies, to inspecting buildings in an effort to mitigate hazards that could lead to fires. The Cadet program teaches young adults about community service by participating in many of the volunteer events held throughout the city. 

By participating in the Cadet program, the individual will gain personal confidence, learn to use various tools, develop mechanical skills and aptitude, and gain a greater awareness of personal and fire safety. The Cadet post is the first step for young adult to gain a head start into the fire-fighting career. Many Cadets go on to graduate at the top of their class in their fire academy and many have been hired on with various municipal fire departments.