Ocean Shores Fire Department aims to expand cadet and volunteer pipeline; open house planned Oct. 5

Fire staff described efforts to strengthen the cadet and volunteer pipeline as a route to career hiring. The department said its cadet program targets 14–18-year-olds, requires a 2.0 GPA and parental consent for minors, and aims to transition cadets into volunteer roles that could lead to paid positions; the representative said volunteers get stipends and the city pays for EMT and fire academy training when volunteers move toward career positions.

The department announced an open house on Oct. 5 featuring demonstrations (including a "dollhouse" fire demo), public-health and CERT booths, ham radio and airlift participation, rigs on display and family activities. "We have a bunch of people coming. We're going to try to land a helicopter again," the representative said. The department also noted some bunker gear sets cost about $5,000 and that volunteer gear replacement is an ongoing budget consideration.