Teens Explore Career Path Options Through Noel Fire Department’s Fire Cadet Program
It can be tough for teenagers to figure out a career path before they even finish high school. But the City of Noel Fire Department’s Fire Cadet Program, known as Explorers for Life, focuses on providing hands-on training, firefighting skills and community service opportunities and is ideal for youth who are searching for their professional life’s pursuit.
Bryer Barrett, who serves as explorer captain with the Noel Fire Department, is heavily involved in this initiative.
He says, “What makes this program valuable is that it allows youth to find their true purpose. This program sets structure and responsibility in teen’s lives, and some of them might not have that at home.
“It also keeps a goal in their heads, whether it be short- or long-term. It gives something to work toward. I will always support this program in any way possible. I think if a fire department can create a program like this, they should do it. In some cases, it can make or break a teen’s life.”
Designed for boys and girls 13–18 years old, this program provides extensive firsthand preparation. Bryer says, “The Cadet Program allows its members to run emergency calls and participate actively in their community. This program does have certain restrictions. Explorers are not allowed within the ‘Hot Zone’ (the immediate danger to life and health area) of calls, and they cannot be directly exposed to them.
“Explorers are allowed to work shifts at the fire department on weekends where they are typically in direct contact with career firefighters in terms of cleaning and training,” Bryer says. “Our Explorers are issued every piece of personal protective equipment’ (PPE) that firefighters use. They’re also required to take a test on their PPE, so they know how to operate it and maintain it, which includes everything from their helmets to their boots.
“Explorers oversee rehab on fire scenes (providing immediate medical evaluation, rehydration, rest and nourishment to firefighters and emergency personnel) and are trained on when and where to set up and maintain it.”
Bryer continues, “Explorers must also learn and test on the fire trucks, so they can effectively run equipment back and forth on active calls. It sounds like a lot but Explorers are trained on all this stuff all the time to ensure there aren’t any issues.”
Bryer’s mindset on tutoring is that “I’ve implemented an always-training mentality into the program while leading it. This mentality is based on helping encourage Explorers while keeping them on their feet and learning all day. I’ve never been a fan of sitting around when you can do hands-on training to help you be at your best.
“The most vital components are simply keeping the Explorers active. I try to stay away from straight classroom sessions. I know I’d want to be on my feet and not in a classroom all day. There are several days of book learning. Most of the time, we start in the classroom but end up outside doing something that’s keep them active.
“I’m constantly ensuring that Explorers are always doing some sort of drill in their bunker gear or working their bodies in some way. Based on my own fitness mentality, I’ve preached to the Explorers that you can never train enough for a job that it will hurt you.
“It might sound dramatic but there’s no better time to start preparing than right now. Most of the drills we do are always in gear. That’s to help get Explorers acclimated to wearing their gear and sweating in it. This also lets us see who needs extra help, so we can be sure there won’t be any problems when they wear the gear for real.”
Sharing another resource available for Explorers to help keep them active, Bryer says, “The McDonald County Sheriff’s Office also has a gym full of equipment provided by Planet Fitness, which they provide us with access if we keep it clean. At no point is an Explorer not doing something physical.”
There are quite a few teachers who team up to play a part in this invaluable program. Bryer says, “Most of the time, it’s either me or one of my two other lieutenants that do the classroom or on-station training.
“Noel works closely with the White Rock Fire Protection District in Jane, Missouri, and they have access to the Bella Vista, Arkansas, Fire Training Center, which offers a multitude of training opportunities.”
It’s a true partnership of coaching these cadets. Bryer says, “Myself and a few other members of the Noel Fire Department are also firefighters with White Rock, so anytime there’s a meeting where we’re doing something at Bella Vista, I’m quick to throw it out to my cadets.
“Several members of White Rock are also career firefighters or retired firefighters that work part-time at Noel, and they’re always willing to teach the cadets anything. I would say the best and most knowledgeable firefighters around are here to help.”
The logic and thinking behind this program is simple. Bryer says, “We just want to introduce today’s youth to the idea of responsibility and structure, while at the same time teaching them about all aspects of fire service and how to start a career in it.
“One benefit of this program is allowing more opportunities in teenagers’ lives. Most teens I have recruited into the program did not have a set career plan until they joined this program. I know there are a ton of benefits to it, but that’s a key one I find most of the time.”
Bryer says teens interested in the program and who live within the area “can reach out to the fire department on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057236065067 or just go to the fire station and meet with me or one of our Explorer officers. We’re always at the station on weekends.
“After they meet with us and express interest in the program, they’ll be given permission and liability forms for their parents to sign. We’ll also meet personally with their parents, and this can be done on the phone or in person. After those things are done, then you’ll officially be a member of the program.
“I am just happy to help provide kids the opportunity to change themselves and their futures. I have always been a servant at heart and will stop at nothing to keep helping others.
“I think the part that makes me the proudest is seeing that there are still teens who are so passionate about working toward their goals and enjoying it the same as I do. I’m also proud to have helped build this program over the years and gotten out there for these kids.”
Noel Fire Department Cadet Program Fast Facts
When: The cadet program started in 2011, and Bryer Barrett says, “My mother (Mandy Barrett) came up with the idea for the cadet program and my father (Brandon Barrett), who is the Noel Fire Department fire chief, approved it.”
Who: Youth between 13 and 18 years old
Where: It’s not just for kids from the Noel, Missouri, area. Many come from Northwest Arkansas, and especially the Gravette/Bella Vista area, as well as McDonald County (Missouri).
Criteria: Students are required to maintain a 2.0 grade point average with regular grade checks, no criminal history and in good standing with peers.
Email Address: bryer.barrett2008@gmail.com
Physical Address: 505 N. Cliffside Drive, Noel, Missouri
Phone Number: 417-456-2577
