Canton Fire Cadets' 'Family Night' Showcases Training, Recruits New Members

CANTON, CT — The Canton Fire & EMS Cadet Program hosted a family information night on April 2 at Station One, welcoming six new cadets and their families for an inside look at the department’s training and operations.

The event aimed to give families a clearer understanding of the cadet experience, which officials said often goes unseen, similar to other extracurricular activities where parents drop off participants without observing day-to-day activities.

Attendees toured the newly updated Station One facility, tried on firefighter bunker gear, and explored the department’s apparatus fleet.

Fire department leadership has prioritized revitalizing the cadet program as part of a broader long-term strategy.

While cadets are not directly involved in current recruitment and retention efforts, officials emphasized their importance as a pipeline for future members.

The department identified the program as key to sustaining a dedicated workforce over time.

Residents interested in the cadet program can contact the department at membership@cantonfd.com or attend cadet training sessions held on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at Station One, 51 River Road.