Saturday March 26, 2016 – On a clear morning 15 young men from the Blue Heart Foundation’s mentoring program had the opportunity to get a taste ot what it takes to be a fire cadet. On an event coordinated by Fire Captain Jason Shanley the young men would suit up and spend the day going through training activities such as using a Telpher Line(aka as a “zip line”) to repelling out of a three story window and put on Search and Rescue with fire gear, through a “maze” otherwise known as the confidence course.
After going over a safety procedures and protocols lead by the men the from the San Diego Fire Department and more specifically Brothers United ( African-American Firefighters). Capt. Shanley thought it was important to “show who these youngsters “how we get down” at the Fire Department” He would later say “It’s important to the Fire Department to open up opportunities and be more diverse. Through these exercises it is my expectation that the kids would arrive on time, and come ready to assist wherever they can. We will definitely have fun, and they should get a LOT of life lessons from each component of the stations (i.e. Teamwork, Confidence, and Trust)”.
The day was filled with excitement, fun and challenges as each young man took their turns repelling out of the three story building. You could see the anxiety and anxoiusnous on each young man’s face as the firefighters tied them up and they began to climb out of the window. Isaiah Coleman would say “Though, I may not want to be a firefighter this was a great experience.”
Later teams would switch roles from repelling to the confidence course; the confidence course requires 
firefighters to navigate through a maze of obstacles with a “Blacked out” helmet using only each other and a firehouse as guidance. Brandon Rosete would later say “ It was crazy and I was nervous going through the maze but I learned to trust my teammates. So, I knew I cold get through.”
All in all this was an amazing eperience for each young man to sample a taste of cadet training. The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Cadet Program was organized in 1983 for young men and women, age 16 to 21, who are interested in learning about a career in Fire Suppression and Emergency Medical Services. This program is not intended to be a direct recruiter of future firefighters, but rather gives young men and women an inside look into the Fire and Emergency Medicine profession.
The purpose of the Fire Cadet program is to help young people make the decision of whether they want to pursue a career in Fire Suppression. The Cadets attend mandatory training classes and are encouraged to participate in a ride-along program. This program helps Cadets gain experience as they observe firefighters and assist the Department in a non-hazardous capacity. In addition to Fire Department-related responsibilities, Fire Cadets are also encouraged to take Fire Science classes, and go on outings and camping trips organized by the Cadet leaders.- See more at: https://www.sandiego.gov/fire/careers/cadetprogram#sthash.y8S7mwSs.dpuf
What are some accomplishments the Brothers United Firefighters accomplished?