Milwaukee Fire Department recruits new cadets for training

MILWAUKEE -- This weekend the Milwaukee Fire Department hosted an open house at the training academy for people looking to become firefighters. It was an opportunity for those between the ages of 17 and 19 to get their foot in the door, before spending even one day at the Fire Academy.

The Milwaukee Fire Department offered those between the ages of 17 and 19 who have graduated or are about to graduate from high school an opportunity to take the fast track to the fire house. Those that are accepted into the fire cadet program get paid to sit in a classroom and learn real-life job training as a firefighter before stepping into the Fire Academy. "We want to find the kids who really are going to enjoy doing this job, who are going to be successful, who aren't aware that being a firefighter is a career," Schuyler Belott, a first lieutenant from the Milwaukee Fire Department said.

Schuyler is a 15-year veteran of the Milwaukee Fire Department and says he originally wanted to be an architect. "That was my dream, and then I found out about this fire department," Schuyler said.

Jeremiah Dunn is one of the fire cadet hopefuls. "I feel the only way I can be happy is serving other people, and what greater service to somebody besides helping them on the worst day of their life," Dunn said.

The city is currently accepting applications for its cadet program through February 24th. CLICK HERE for additional details and to apply.