Karns City Area Fire Cadet

08/10/2026

We know this is long overdue, but we waited until the Camp Committee met and cadets received their testing results before posting.

We’re proud to announce the successful completion of the Karns City Area Junior Fire Cadet Academy! After two intensive weeks (June 8–19, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM) held at Chicora VFC with off-site visits to Butler County 911, Butler City Fire Department, and VA Fire Department, our cadets completed PA EL 26 Fire Ground Support training, Hazmat Awareness training, Traffic Incident managmanet and gained hands-on experience in scene safety, PPE, tool handling, basic hose operations, search-and-rescue intro, and emergency apparatus orientation. They also built leadership, teamwork, and drill skills and finished the program with a formal graduation ceremony.

A huge thank-you to everyone who supported this program — your generosity made this experience possible and helped prepare the next generation of fire and emergency service leaders.

Special thanks to our donors:
Mark-IM
DCI Field Services
Fox's Pizza- Chicora
Coffee Shoppe
Penreco
HF Sinclair
East Butler Volunteer fire Company
Chicora Independent Hose Company
Lezzer Lumber
Butler County Community College

Congratulations to our cadets, staff, and volunteers — we’re proud of your dedication!

06/09/2026

The cadet camp is underway, Day two has brought all 22 students out of the classroom and getting them acclimated with their Turn out gear and PPE!

05/29/2026

🚨 ONLY 10 DAYS AWAY! 🚨

Our Cadet Camp is right around the corner, and time is running out to register! 🔥👨‍🚒👩‍🚒

This is your chance to train, learn, and experience the fire service alongside dedicated instructors and future firefighters. Don’t miss out on an unforgettable two weeks of hands-on training, teamwork, and fun!

⏳ Registration closes June 1st
📅 Camp starts in just 10 days!

Spots are filling fast, so get signed up before it’s too late!

05/03/2026

Spots still available for our 2 week long camp hosted at Chicora Fire.

June 8–19 | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Monday–Friday) The Junior Fire Cadet Academy is an intensive two-week training program designed for motivated youth interested in exploring careers in fire and emergency services. This immersive experience provides cadets with hands-on instruction, leadership dev...

03/25/2026

Donation Request

The Karns City Area Fire departments are proud to host a two-week Junior Fire Cadet Academy from June 8th–19th, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, designed to inspire and prepare the next generation of firefighters and emergency responders.

Across our region—and throughout the country—fire and emergency service agencies are facing declining volunteer numbers and recruitment challenges. As seasoned firefighters retire, fewer young people are stepping forward to serve. This growing gap places increased strain on departments and impacts on our ability to protect the communities we all care about.

Our Fire Cadet Academy was created to address this challenge head-on.

Over the course of two weeks, cadets receive structured, hands-on training in fireground support, emergency response basics, teamwork, leadership, and community service. The academy not only builds practical skills, but also fosters discipline, confidence, responsibility, and a passion for serving others. By introducing youth to the fire and emergency services at an early age, we are planting seeds for future volunteers, EMTs, and career firefighters.

However, programs like this require community support to succeed.

We are seeking donations to help cover the costs of:

• Training materials and safety equipment
• Personal protective gear for cadet use
• Instructional supplies and hands-on skill stations
• Hydration and daily meals for participants
• Academy T-shirts and graduation certificates
• Equipment, maintenance and training props
Your financial support will directly enhance the quality and safety of the training experience. Donations allow us to provide realistic, high-quality instruction that better prepares cadets for future service in fire and emergency response roles.

Every contribution—large or small—helps us invest in the future of emergency services in the Karns City Area. Most importantly, your support demonstrates to our youth that their community believes in them and values their willingness to step forward and serve.

We would be honored to recognize your generosity through program materials and at our academy graduation ceremony.

If you would like to donate or learn more about supporting the Karns City Area Fire Cadet Academy, please contact us at (724) 968-3596- [email protected] or mail contributions to 202 West Slippery Rock St Chicora Pa 16025

Thank you for your continued commitment to the safety and future of our community.

03/17/2026

🔥CADET PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT🔥

🚨 KARNS CITY AREA FIRE CADET PROGRAM – STATE RECOGNIZED🚨

We’re proud to share that the Karns City Area Fire Cadet Program has been officially featured by the Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner as a Case Study Program alongside others across the state.

🔗 Check it out here: View the Case Study
https://www.pa.gov/agencies/osfc/fire-departments/junior-firefighters

This recognition showcases the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our cadets, instructors, and leadership team in building the next generation of the fire service.

🔥 Our program focuses on:

• Hands-on training and real-world experience
• Leadership development
• Teamwork, discipline, and service
• Preparing young individuals for a future in emergency services

Being selected for this case study reflects the strength of our program and the impact it’s making right here in our community.

👏 To our cadets — your effort does not go unnoticed.
👏 To our advisors and supporters — thank you for investing in the future.

This is just the beginning.

Junior Firefighters are an important part of the volunteer fire service. Let's keep them safe and supported.

03/17/2026

June 8–19 | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Monday–Friday) The Junior Fire Cadet Academy is an intensive two-week training program designed for motivated youth interested in exploring careers in fire and emergency services. This immersive experience provides cadets with hands-on instruction, leadership dev...

03/04/2026

🚒 REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! 🚒

The Karns City Area Fire Cadet Program is now accepting registrations for our 2026 Summer Cadet Program.

📅 Program Dates:
June 8 – June 18

Use the Google Form below to sign up.

Spots may be limited, so register early to secure your place!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

June 8–19 | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Monday–Friday) The Junior Fire Cadet Academy is an intensive two-week training program designed for motivated youth interested in exploring careers in fire and emergency services. This immersive experience provides cadets with hands-on instruction, leadership dev...

03/04/2026

Help Us Protect Our Community

We are a 100% volunteer organization and are looking for new members to serve as firefighters. If you are 14 or older and interested in joining us.

Stop by our Stations at:

Chicora Independent Hose Company
202 W. Slippery Rock Street, Chicora, Pennsylvania 16025
During our Wednesday night drills and talk with us.

Petrolia VFD
200 Argyle Street, Petrolia, Pennsylvania 16050
During our Thursday night drill and talk with us.

Sugarcreek Township Volunteer Fire Department - Armstrong County
110 Rodgers Road, East Brady, Pennsylvania 16028
During our Wednesday night drills and talk with us.

Bruin Volunteer Fire Department
100 Firehouse Dr, Bruin, Pennsylvania 16022
During our Wednesday night drills and talk with us.