The D.C. Fire Cadet program extended its application deadline because not enough recruits have registered and the program could lose funding if the slots are not filled, officials said.
The one-year program typically needs at least 120 applicants to fill the 35 slots, program coordinator Lt. Juan Carter said. As of two weeks ago, there were only about 25 applicants, he said. The program needs a larger pool of applicants because many recruits are weeded out for health reasons or they fail an extensive background check.
Carter said he didn’t know why there were fewer applicants this year, but said he believes he could have done a better job of getting the information out.
The application deadline is now Oct. 6. The cadets are paid $15,000 a year while they train to become certified as firefighters and emergency medical technicians. At the end, they are sworn in to the D.C. Fire & Rescue Department, where they will start at $44,000 a year.
Applicants must be 18 to 20 years old, U.S. citizens and residents of the District, and must have a valid driver’s license and a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma.
