NEWINGTON, Conn. — The West Hartford Fire Department has brought back a popular idea from last summer: a firefighting camp for teen cadets.
All week, a group of 15 cadets ages 12-18 have been part of the program meant to build character and perhaps spark the careers for future firefighters.
Andrew Eccles, a West Hartford Firefighter who serves the department as the community support officer, began the program in 2023, and this summer there is a full roster of kids taking on the challenge of the camp.
Eccles said, “we are trying to introduce them [the campers] earlier in life to the firefighting service.”
He added, “not many people have this opportunity and background growing up.”
With fake smoke streaming through Newington’s fire training building, 13-year-old camper Frances Eiker emerged from a search and rescue drill.
Eikel said, “There is just something about the important work we are doing,” and added “I think building all these skills has given me a sense of confidence.”
AJ Tantillo, a recent graduate of Tolland High School, said, “It’s great to get out here and get into the real environment, get into real situations and the things they [the firefighters] deal with every day.”
Eccles said, “The fundamentals of this camp are to teach a little bit about firefighting but the majority of what I’m trying to do is teach these cadets leadership, team bonding, and communication.”
The West Hartford Fire Department will hold a more advanced firefighting camp for cadets during the week of July 29.
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Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jaltman@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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