The Community Risk Reduction Cadet Program, spearheaded by Supervisor Yxstian Alberto Gutierrez and Chief Eddie Sell of the Hemet Fire Department, is providing high school students with an opportunity to learn about community service, fire prevention, code compliance, and other vital skills. This summer internship program involved twenty students, the majority of them being from HUSD.
Students who were at least 18 years of age leveraged this opportunity to move into a training program, preparing them to become certified Wildland Firefighters. For some, this training led to immediate employment, while others, still in school, have continued the internship program into the fall semester.
The Community Risk Reduction Cadet Program not only equips students with practical skills in public safety but also fosters a sense of community engagement and responsibility. Through this joint initiative, students gain hands-on experience that could pave the way for future careers in fire and life safety. This program demonstrates the power of partnership in creating meaningful pathways for students while supporting the greater good of the community.