WGFC Assists the State Police with Camp Cadet at Camp Saginaw
 
August 27, 2022
 

Each summer, the PA State Police run an admirable program known as Camp Cadet and once again the West Grove Fire Company participated at the program in our area. The Troop J Camp was held recently at Camp Saginaw near New London, and includes participants from Chester County and portions of nearby Lancaster County. Nearly 90 cadets participated this summer.

Camp Cadet is a summer camp for boys and girls from Pennsylvania between the ages of 12 to 15. (Chester County Camp Cadet program accepts 11 - 13 year old boys and girls) The camp is held at various locations throughout the State and staffed by Troopers, local police officers and many other volunteers. The goal of Camp Cadet is to introduce participants to the diverse criminal justice system and establish a positive relationship with law enforcement personnel.

Camp Cadet is open to all youth and is structured similar to training at the Police Academy. All participants who attend Camp Cadet are addressed as “Cadet” during the week. Cadets are required to participate in all scheduled events. The camp focuses on discipline, self-esteem, teamwork, drug and alcohol education, violence prevention and many other issues facing today’s youth.

West Grove Fire Company members assist State Police troopers in providing hands on CPR instruction and demonstrations of fire fighting equipment. This year, WGFC also conducted a vehicle rescue demonstration, using rescue tools -- commonly referred to the "Jaws of Life" -- to cut open a car, as well as instruction on using a fire extinguisher, how to do hands-only CPR, and how to assist when someone is choking. This year, on arrival day, WGFC firefighters met the campers and showed them the apparatus. Ladder 22 and Rescue 22 were there as well as Chester County Hazmat Station 15 and the Comm1 unit for the county.

Camp Cadet is a non-profit organization. Meals, lodging and programs are provided at no cost to the applicant. Camps are usually funded by various fund raisers and business and community donations. For more information on the PA State Police Camp Cadet program see: https://www.psp.pa.gov/public-safety/Pages/Camp-Cadet-Summer-Program.aspx and http://www.cccampcadet.org/ .

The West Grove Fire Company has a close working relationship with troopers of the State Police. We congratulate them on this impressive youth program, and thank them for involving the fire company again this year
 
Units: Ladder 22, Rescue 22, Ambulance 22, Squad 22, Brush 22.
 
Mutual Aid: Chester County Hazmat 15-1, and Chester County Comm 1
 
Some of the 90 Cadets watch the rescue demonstration.
Some of the 90 Cadets watch the rescue demonstration.
 
WGFC firefighters held a car rescue demonstration as part of the State Police Camp Cadet Program held in New London.
WGFC firefighters held a car rescue demonstration as part of the State Police Camp Cadet Program held in New London.
 
Cadets in front of Comm 1 and Ladder 22.
Cadets in front of Comm 1 and Ladder 22.
 
WGFC apparatus on display.
WGFC apparatus on display.
 
Hazmat 15-1 -- part of the apparatus of the Chester County Hazardous Materials Response Team
Hazmat 15-1 -- part of the apparatus of the Chester County Hazardous Materials Response Team
 
Comm 1 is the mobile radio room operated by the Chester County Dept. of Emergency Services.
Comm 1 is the mobile radio room operated by the Chester County Dept. of Emergency Services.
 
WGFC firefighter Zach Felker shows cadets an AED (automated external defibrillator).
WGFC firefighter Zach Felker shows cadets an AED (automated external defibrillator).
 
Camp Cadets pose in front of Brush 22
Camp Cadets pose in front of Brush 22
 
An impressive group of young adults.
An impressive group of young adults.
 
Hands-only CPR training.
Hands-only CPR training.
 
Cadets practice hands-only CPR.
Cadets practice hands-only CPR.