The Sullivan Fire Department Cadet Program celebrated its first graduates on Wednesday, September 28. Konnor Randol and Landry Still were given helmets with new shields bearing their last names and certificates of graduation. They also signed the back of their cadet shields that will be used on the helmets of future cadets.

Now that Randol and Still have finished the academy they are able to attend meetings at the fire department and train with members. The next session of the cadet program will start in January and the department will open the application process in November or December.

The program is for 16-18 year olds and is a three-month academy that the department offers in-house on topics including equipment, CPR and ladders. It is a foundation program getting participants acquainted with how the department operates. The academy is held twice a year in January and July.

Cadets receive their own turnout gear and a t-shirt. They will respond to scenes but will work as exterior personnel.

For more information on applying to the cadet program, contact the Sullivan Fire Department at 217-728-8714 or visit the department in person and ask for Captain Wright or the duty officer.