CINCINNATI — Teens still in high school can now be paid firefighters and police officers. It’s all a part of a cadet program.

What You Need To Know

  • Teens in high school and up can apply to be a part of the cadet program through Cincinnati police and fire departments 

  • Cadets will get hands-on training, shadow officers and work to patrol games at Cincinnati area schools 

  • Officers say for some looking to join the field it can be a pipeline to a future career, but it doesn't have to be your career path to join

Liuetenant Chantia Miller said she became a Cincinnati Police Officer for one reason.

“Because I hated the police,” said Miller. 

She didn’t like the police after what she said happened to her.

“I had some officers call me out on my name, I had some female whites start a fight with us and my friend was subsequently arrested because she beat up the girl. This was after they kicked my boom box, threw rocks and all types of stuff…. so my grandmother, she just told me, ‘Well, you can either be part of the problem or be part of the change,’” said Miller. 

She became a police cadet, a teen in training, and moved up the ranks.

“I would not be here still if it wasn’t for our youth programs, and so to be over the youth programs and to be able to give another child some type of direction, guidance or path, it is really an opportunity,” said Miller.

Almost 20 years later, she’s helping run a program for new cadets like 18 year old Mark Walker.

“Through the program, I definitely have learned a lot about police work. On top of that, just different organizations and different opportunities around the city,” said Walker.

He’s one of about 40 police cadets, training alongside the same amount of fire cadets like 17 year old Karrianna Wyatt.

“I was younger, I would say, about ten years old. My dad is a firefighter, so I’ve seen how the job has impacted him and, you know, all the benefits to it and things like that,” said Wyatt. 

During the program, they learn how to react in an emergency and patrol sports games along with officers at Cincinnati area schools and they’re seeking more cadets, trying to get to make the change for future generations.

“Whether it’s law enforcement, whether it’s fire, whether it’s communications, whether it’s nursing teaching, whether it is being an entrepreneur, our like whatever it is that drives you your purpose and that you just go for it,” said Miller.

Cincinnati police and fire recently opened cadet applications for their summer programs. For more details and how you can apply, click here.