(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser joined DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DCFEMS) Chief Gregory M. Dean to celebrate the graduation of 15 dual-role firefighter/EMT cadets from the Training Academy.  During the ceremony, Mayor Bowser announced the results of the first-ever DCFEMS entrance exam, in which more than 180 of the 200 highest scorers were District residents.
 
“The cadet program offers our high school graduates an opportunity to join the ranks of DC Fire and EMS.  For eight years, it was the only realistic shot a District resident had at joining the squad.  We changed the system and created the entrance exam so that even more District residents can participate,” said Mayor Bowser. “I applaud the graduates of Cadet Class 18 for their courage and compassion to help others, and I look forward to welcoming another group of first responders to our team.”
 
In April, Mayor Bowser announced that DCFEMS would offer an entrance exam for the first time in eight years that would be open to individuals between the ages of 19 and 29. About 4,000 applicants took the exam in June. District residents, military veterans, and former foster care children who passed the exam received preference points toward their ranking.  Of the 200 top ranked applicants, more than 180 are District residents. The first recruit class from the entrance exam is scheduled to begin in February. To view the results of the exam, go here.
 
The fire cadet program began in 1986 and provides an opportunity for graduates from the District’s public schools to join the department’s ranks. The cadets completed a nearly year-long training course that consisted of departmental policies, operational procedures, emergency medical protocols and fire suppression tactics.
 
For more information about DCFEMS, visit fems.dc.gov.