2024 First Responder Cadet Program
Joseph Morales
GRIN Intern
This summer, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) continued its First Responder Cadet Program.
The Gila River Police Department (GRPD), Gila River Emergency Management Services (GREMS), and Gila River Fire Department (GRFD) all collaborate to provide their experience for youthful cadets participating in the program.
The WIOA program’s goal is to improve quality, productivity, and competitiveness for Gila River Indian Community members in the workforce. The program offers many youthful individuals the opportunity and support services to help them face employment and education barriers.
GRPD Officer James Milano and GRFD Captain Robert Jackson are both instructors for the First Responders program and oversee the cadets.
They allowed me to attend one of the cadet classroom sessions and provided a small tour of the GRPD’s training facility in Chandler.
During the tour, past events and presentations that the cadets have assisted with were shared, including showcasing a vehicle that GRPD acquired.
“The cadets can demonstrate what they learn and become more confident,” said Officer Milano. “It even helps them know that in the future, I can do this as my job.”
I also had the opportunity to speak with some cadets and learn about their experiences.
“The program has been great. It allows me to gain work experience from all aspects of this program,” said Jazmyn Burnett from District 3.
The cadets have many services for their support, along with their busy schedules. Class sessions begin very early in the morning throughout the week, which Burnett mentioned, “It allows me to have a set schedule during the summer and to be prepared. When we work out, that helps me to stay active and fit for the summer.”
Burnett shared many things that she has enjoyed throughout her experience so far, a big highlight for her was when Wildland Fire Fighters had a showcase for them. That showcase sparked her interest to possibly continue down that path of learning more about firefighting. Burnett is currently exploring her options for the next steps in the future.
Cadets Elijah Joe, District 5, and Christian Harvier, District 3, also shared their experiences.
Joe stated, “I have wanted to be a police officer my whole life. I have always been interested in the police, and seeing what happens day to day is what I have gained from this summer.”
Harvier added, “It’s important to gain the education and background knowledge of public safety.”
Both young gentlemen shared that the program provides so much knowledge and experience that could help them as they look forward to their future. They stated that summer has been fun.
“The police car chase we participated in was a huge adrenaline dump,” said Joe.
Harvier shared another highlight: the day they spent with the K9 unit and the police grand opening ceremony.
“I really enjoy being recognized as public safety cadets at events because it showcases the importance of it and the police at the grand opening,” said Harvier.
Many of the cadets shared the same insight on how important the program has been for them to learn more and gain work experience.
Any youth interested in the First Responder Program should contact the WIOA Program at (520) 562-3387 or grictraining.org for additional information on the youth program.
2024 First Responder Program Participants:
1. Alexander Kyyitan
2. Aiyana Jackson
3. Elijah Soke
4. Vince Cook
5. Hayden Jackson
6. Raiyna Yoyokie
7. Mariya Yucupicio
8. Christian Harvier
9. Jazmyn Norris-Burnett
10. Sylvia Norris-Burnett
11. Elijah Joe
