A May 3 news release from ESD 2, which operates in areas including Pflugerville and the Wells Branch neighborhood of Austin, states the fire cadet program is a free six-month curriculum that certifies civilians to become a Texas firefighter and emergency medical technician.
“Knowing that our district will only continue to grow, we needed an equitable solution to train and retain talent,” said Nick Perkins, fire chief for ESD 2, in the release. “This program allows for citizens of the district to have a direct pathway to serve as a firefighter/EMT in the community they live in. Above everything else, we will be more efficient in filling open positions and thus respond even quicker to emergencies.”
City of Pflugerville officials voted in November to seek private emergency medical services rather than pay an annual $2.8 million subsidy to ESD 2.
In January, Acadian Ambulance Services began operating in Pflugerville, but two months later discontinued the contract with the city due to a disagreement over jurisdiction.
Pflugerville officials are working to find a new EMS provider, and ESD 2 is one of several entities in consideration, according to city information.
In the release, Perkins addressed the city's ongoing need for consistent EMS providers, and said ESD 2 will continue to prepare for the growing demand for emergency services in the area.
“As we wait on the City Council’s decision of who will be the primary EMS provider for the city, we will continue to prepare to ensure we are ready in the event we are called on to serve the entire district," Perkins said in the release. "We know this community, and when you need us, we’ll be there.”
It is not yet clear how many cadets will graduate from the inaugural program in June, but the release states ESD 2 plans to recruit another 50 enrollees to be fire cadets this summer.
