Become a Cadet

Learning Life Skills & Helping Neighbors in Need

The cadet program provides high school students the opportunity to serve their community, gain insight into medical professions and learn lifelong lifesaving skills.

New cadets are selected in February of sophomore year and begin service in late June. Cadets are expected to serve with the Squad at least through their high school graduation. At graduation, they may apply to become regular members of the Squad.

Cadet Membership Requirements

  • Chatham Resident

  • Will turn 16 years old by July 1, 2025

  • High school sophomore in good academic standing.

  • Participate fully in Squad meetings, training and special events

  • Take 200 hour State of NJ Emergency Medical Technician initial training course and pass National Registry EMT exam.
  • Serve a weekly shift:

    • Day shifts are from school end until 7:00pm

    • Night shifts are from 7:00pm until 10:00pm

Application Process Steps

Mandatory Parent and Candidate Meeting

A meeting will take place on Monday, January 13, 2025 at 7:00pm in the Lundt Room in the Chatham Library lower level for interested sophomores and their parents.

One parent/ guardian is required to attend.

Snow Date: TBD

All interested candidates should RSVP to our Cadet Manager to receive confirmation prior to attending.

Interviews

After attending mandatory meeting, candidates will submit applications and resumes.

Application deadline is 6:00pm on Thursday, January 23.  Late submissions will not be accepted.

Applicants will be scheduled for in-person interviews on Saturday, February 8 or Sunday, February 9, 2025.

Invitations to Join

Invitations to join the Cadet Program will be extended by the end of February.

Registration for July EMT Initial training course must be secured by the first week of March.

New membership onboarding processes must also be completed in early March.

First Duty Shifts

First duty shifts will begin late June 2025.

Intensive EMT training course begins the second week of July and runs until late August.

All those considering applying to the program should read the Cadet Contract (not sign) as it makes clear the expectations of membership and provides useful details about the program.

After acceptance into membership, new cadets and their parents will sign the Cadet Contract.

Any further questions, please contact our Cadet Manager