Clinton Fire Chief David Dallas says fire fighting has become a young man's game and he hopes to solve some issues with recruiting and retention through the program by reaching out to older high school students.

 

 

Chief Dallas says recruiting and retention has become a big challenge for fire departments across the state and country. He says many fire fighters have full time jobs during the day and sometimes can't make all the calls that come in.

 

 

For the program, junior cadets would do basic tasks like reel line and help maintain the trucks. Chief Dallas says there might be opportunities for training as long as there is not danger involved.

 

 

The program will start out with five cadets. Chief Dallas says that number could increase or remain the same depending on how things go off the start.

 

He indicates they already have a few junior cadets in the program.

 

For information, contact the Clinton Fire Station at 217-935-3712.