November 14, 1989

Caring fireman loves saving lives

       Sophomore Ryan Ford feels that White River Township Volunteer Fire Department’s cadet program is “really helpful to the community.” Ford became interested through his friend Kevan Crawley, who is currently the chief cadet, and began training last August. The cadets attend classes every Thursday night and one Sunday a month in order to accumulate the 24 hours of training required to actively participate in emergency runs. During training the cadets learn such things as emergency medical procedures, the behavior of fire, and practical use of the equipment. Cadets may also attend additional classes on Saturdays to earn points and learn other duties of fireman such as fire checks in local businesses. Each of the cadets have a scanner in their car that receives all dispatch calls. In response to a dispatch call any available cadets report to the station. They are then transported to the emergency by the station pick-up truck or another emergency vehicle. There must be adults with the cadets at all times and the cadets must remain outside if there is a fire. Ford assures that this is a “big responsibility” and that the cadets are still very helpful. They can hold hoses and do additional things to aid those inside. “I love it!” Ford says of the cadet program. “It’s really neat you know what to do when something (an emergency) happens.” The emergency medical experience is especially valuable to Ford since his father has been the victim of a heart attack. He feels more secure now, since he has some emergency medical training and would know what to do should it happen again. Being a volunteer cadet has definitely had an effect on Ford. He plans to volunteer as a fireman in his spare time after attending college and pursuing his ambition of becoming a pilot. Anyone, wishing to become involved in the volunteer cadet program, need only to contact Crawley, Ford, or any other current cadet, or call the White River Township Volunteer Fire Department.  (Reprinted with permission from the Daily Journal)
 
 

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