Baker City Fire Chief Michael Carlson envisions a future when many, if not most, of the cityโs firefighters started their careers as teenage cadets in their hometown. But even if the new cadet program doesnโt turn into an employee pipeline for the department, Carlson is excited about helping youngsters gain valuable job and life skills. โI feel like itโs going to be a successful program,โ Carlson said on Monday. โAll the professional firefighters are willing to step up and make it a success.โ
Carlson, who started as fire chief in April of this year, said he was encouraged by the number of students โ more than 75 โ who signed up for a presentation about the fire department and the cadet program during a day-long career conference Oct. 27 at Baker High School. He said he appreciates the cityโs partnership with the school district. A meeting for potential cadets and their parents is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 5:30 p.m. in the BHS library, 2500 E St.
