On Sunday, West Grove Fire Company first responders had the honor of helping out the PA State Police at Camp Cadet being held at Camp Saginaw. Each year, youth are selected to participate in the week long sleep camp, held at Camp Saginaw. PSPA troopers stay with the campers all week...a week filled with activities!

Camp Cadet is a summer camp for boys and girls from Pennsylvania between the ages of 12 to 15. (Chester County Camp Cadet program accepts 11 - 13 year old boys and girls) The camp is held at various locations throughout the State and staffed by Troopers, local police officers and many other volunteers. The goal of Camp Cadet is to introduce participants to the diverse criminal justice system and establish a positive relationship with law enforcement personnel.

WGFC first responders provided a vehicle extraction demonstration to the cadets. The demonstration shows how we remove the car from around a potentially trapped victim. We were able to demonstrate the O-cutters and spreader, also more commonly known as the "Jaws of Life."

The cadets then had an opportunity to check out the apparatus we brought along, Ladder 22 and Squad 22. Also on display were the disaster trailer brought by Belfor and COMM 1, the emergency command post brought by the Chester County Department of Emergency Services.

Camp Cadet is a non-profit organization. Meals, lodging and programs are provided at no cost to the applicant. Camps are usually funded by various fund raisers and business and community donations. For more information on the PA State Police Camp Cadet program see the links below. The West Grove Fire Company has a close working relationship with troopers of the State Police. We congratulate them on this impressive youth program, and thank them for involving the fire company again this year.