The Review Magazine Summer 2025

Northern Field Report Tawas City Firefighter Cadet Program By Kim Cekola

TAWAS CITY pop. 1,834

Through his connections with other fire chiefs, Tawas City Fire Chief Steve Masich knew a lot of fire departments were having trouble attracting firefighters. He learned about a cadet program that introduces high school students to firefighting and allows them to train side by-side with certified firefighters. He presented the idea to city council, who approved it unanimously. “We're a small, rural, on-demand fire department and understand the struggles communities have with finding firefighters. Since its inception, we've had 15 students through the program. Several received their Firefighter I-II certifications, and four are either currently or were on the Tawas City Fire Department as full-fledged firefighters.” The City accepts three students to the program per year, and no advertising is needed—it operates entirely through word of mouth.

To qualify for the program, the cadet firefighter must be working toward a high school diploma, secure a work permit with their school, and be between 16 and 18 years of age. Within two years of hire, they must certify in Michigan as Firefighter I and II and/or as a Medical First Responder. To become Firefighter I and II certified, individuals typically need to complete a training academy and pass the corresponding exams through the Michigan Firefighter Training Council. The cadet firefighter must conduct themself in accordance with the Tawas City Fire Department's (TCFD) Code of Conduct and display the attributes of a firefighter with integrity while on and off duty. Under the supervision of fire officers and firefighters, the cadet firefighter: • concentrates heavily on firefighter training and practice scenarios; • studies emergency response techniques and fire science; • helps maintain the equipment and facilities of the fire department; • engages in limited fire suppression, emergency medical service, rescue, and fire prevention activities to protect life and property; • may set up hoses, ladders, and equipment to help mitigate emergency situations (within their allowed capacity through training and MIOSHA); and • is responsible for knowing and following the TCFD manual of procedures and all department directives.

Cadet Criteria

“ This program allows us to create our own succession plan, while giving our youth experience working in the public sector. ”

Chief Steve Masich (left) is seen speaking with then-cadet Thomas Bruning (right) while the Tawas City Fire Department (TCFD) assisted with a structure fire in Grant Township a few years ago. Bruning went on to complete his state certifications and has since joined the TCFD as an official firefighter.

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| Summer 2025