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Grove Hill firefighter The Grove Hill Volunteer Fire Department Cadet program began in 1996 and four of the original five have gone on to professional firefighting careers. Spence Overton, one of the original cadets, now is a professional firefighter and leads the cadet group. Jeremy Welch, another cadet from the first group and professional firefighter, assists. There are six members in the current group, Kristy Roberts, Josh Turner, Luke Hinson, Lee Roberts, Alan Phillips and Ryan Weatherly. Weatherly is currently attending fire college and Turner plans to enroll in March. "The cadet program is for students, age 15 to 18-years-old. Once they turn 18 and they pass the training, they become active firefighters," Welch said. All cadets are taught the Alabama State Fire College curriculum. "Part of their job is to help maintain the equipment. It’s in great shape. It’s clean and organized and it’s because of their hard work. They assist when we return from a fire with cleaning and inventory," Chief Don English said. Other responsibilities include testing the hoses and performing hydrant inspections. The group meets at least once a week. During the summer they meet about two hours and during school months about an hour. They are issued firefighting gear, just as the volunteer firefighters are. Members are allowed to participate in training sessions, except for interior structural firefighting. They must also maintain passing grades in school or as English said, "no pass, no play." They can assist at emergency scenes, outside the area, with tasks such as hosework and other activities. Cadets are also expected to participate in physical training. "They are an asset to our department. This is a good activity for them and it’s a way for them to get involved. We’re planning some fundraisers so they can purchase some equipment they need," Overton said. And why do the cadets say they became involved in this venture? "The adrenaline rush," Turner laughed. "And we enjoy it," added Hinson. Phillips says he too plans to pursue a career in firefighting. "We wouldn’t be out here if we didn’t like," Roberts said. "They’re hard workers and it’s five more bodies to help us out. They make me do more than I want to sometimes," English laughed.
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