The Amarillo Fire Department is training its next class of cadets

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – Ruben visits the Amarillo Fire Department’s training center and learns about the techniques the cadets use in the academy.

Lt. Elton Butcher says there are 16 cadets in the third fire academy. Cadets began the academy in January with their first portion of EMT training.

“They started their fire portion in March here at the training facility and they went through it,” Lt. Butcher said.

The cadets will graduate from the academy on July 2.

“Leadership is a big thing. These guys that we train are really good at what they do. From EMS personnel, to fire personnel. Man, I’m top notch,” said cadet Johnathon Rejino.

Rejino says he thinks the training went well. It’s one step at a time from putting on your gear to getting safely into the truck.

“Just little things that a lot of people don’t think about. And like I said, one thing at a time and getting in there and getting the job done,” Rejino said.

Lt. Butcher says the cadets are in their basic training right now.

“This is what they will build on and learn from for the rest of their careers. So by getting that out here and in a controlled environment today, we’re working a little bit slower with smaller groups so we can reinforce those basic techniques that they need,” Lt. Butcher said.

As cadets progress through structure fire training, Lt. Butcher says they will progress to more difficult and intense scenarios.

Rejino says the job is very detail-oriented, and many people don’t think about it.

“That’s one thing you have to really understand, is to have those little details and fine-tune them. You know, if it’s not for you, you’ll figure it out pretty quickly, but the experience is amazing,” Rejino said.

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