Illinois Fire Department Continues Teen Cadet Program After Successful First Year

By MES Dispatch staff

The Briefing

• • The Sublette Fire Department in Illinois is launching the second year of its teen firefighter and EMS cadet training program beginning Jan. 18, officials said.
• • The program, aimed at youth ages 15–19, saw 16 of 18 participants complete its first 45-hour training in 2025.
• • Twenty-three teens are enrolled this year, including returning and new participants from surrounding communities.
• • Cadets gain hands-on experience and supervised support roles, such as pulling hose lines and assisting with EMS tasks.
• • Graduates under 18 may join the department as restricted members; some have pursued EMT training.

SUBLETTE, IL — The Sublette Fire Department is launching the second year of its teen cadet training program for aspiring firefighters and emergency medical responders on Jan. 18, 2026, officials said.

The program, developed by department leadership to attract and train youth amid volunteer staffing shortages, is open to individuals ages 15 to 19 and builds hands-on skills through practical training and rotations with local fire and EMS units.

Assistant Fire Chief Nick Dinges said the first class, held in early 2025, enrolled 18 participants and saw 16 complete about 45 hours of instruction over 10 Sundays. This year’s roster includes 23 cadets, with 10 returning from the initial cohort and 13 new enrollees from Sublette and nearby towns.

Training emphasizes active participation rather than classroom lectures, with cadets practicing tasks such as handling hose lines and supporting extrication and ambulance operations under supervision. Dinges said younger members help with physical tasks, easing the workload on older volunteers during EMS responses.

Cadets under age 18 who join the department become restricted members, permitted to perform a range of duties with limitations tied to safety protocols. Several graduates have pursued additional Emergency Medical Technician training, and more have enrolled in EMT courses scheduled for March in nearby Amboy, Dinges said.