GLADSTONE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Gladstone Public Safety Department is looking for qualified people to join its cadet program.
The program is open to any high school or college student 18 or older, preferably those working toward a career in public safety. Anyone who is not a student but volunteers with a local fire department is also eligible to become a cadet.
“We’re trying to attract people who have an interest in this community,” said Ron Robinson, Gladstone Public Safety director. “They’ll get on-the-job training, not only in police work, but in fire operations. It gives them some experience towards their goal, and it also allows us to get to know that person.”
Cadets can stay in the program for as long as they want. After two months of service, they can apply for a permanent position with the department.
“If we decide to hire them, we may sponsor them through an academy,” Robinson said.
Current cadet Matthew Rian thought about becoming a police officer after high school, but he decided to work in fire safety instead. Five months into the cadet program, he finally has the chance to explore the police side of public safety.
“It gets you in those stressful situations–medical calls, traffic stops, searches of vehicles,” Rian said. “You get to see how it’s all done right there on the side of the road. It’s also great because you get to pick the brains of the officers you’re working with.”
Rian says whether he pursues police work or continues to work in a fire department, he is proud to serve his community with the Gladstone Public Safety Department.
“I like being able to help the children, doing fire safety or fire prevention,” he said. “I also enjoy being at that spot where people need you to be in that worst-case scenario. I’d be there 24 hours, as much as I could be, to help anybody that’s in need.”
The cadet program is free of charge, and the department is always looking for applicants. Cadets are voluntary workers, so the position is unpaid. Robinson says anyone eligible is welcome to apply, whether they want to work with the Public Safety Department or another fire or police department in the future.
Applications are available at the Gladstone Public Safety Department at 144 4th Avenue North. For more information call (906) 428-3131 or click here.
