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Los Angeles Fire Department outlines youth programs, recruitment pipeline and capacity limits
Summary
The LAFD described a suite of youth programs — introductory sessions, an eight-week academy and a cadet pathway — and told council members the programs are popular but limited by staff, facilities and parking constraints.
Chief Chip Larson of the Los Angeles Fire Department summarized the department’s youth programs at a committee meeting, describing multiple entry points intended to introduce young people to firefighting, offer training and create a recruitment pipeline.
Larson described the program structure: an introductory field program, an eight-week Saturday academy, school-based “magnet” partnerships with class visits and a cadet program that emphasizes certification and mentorship. "The second program is the academy of youth that are 8 weeks on Saturdays… and then the cadet program focuses on those who will enter career service," Larson said.
Larson told the committee the department currently reports about 85 participants across programs and that capacity is constrained by staffing and facility availability. He said the cadet program offers four levels of training, scholarships through the department’s fire foundation for AMT school and mentoring from line firefighters. He also noted gaps the department is tracking, including that some cadets lack a driver’s license — an obstacle for those who must operate vehicles — and that parking and site availability limit expansion.
Council members asked about outreach to increase diversity and recruitment of women. A council member asked how the city could help attract more female applicants; Larson and staff recommended outreach to high schools and coordination with district offices and magnet programs. "We have magnet programs to reach young women who have had adversity; it's an incredible academy," Larson said. Staff agreed to follow up with council offices on advertising and site needs.
Committee members indicated the report should be noted and filed; the record shows committee discussion and questions but does not include the final motion text or a detailed vote in the transcript excerpt.
The department said the programs are intended as mentorship and recruitment pipelines rather than one-time events; Larson emphasized the training and certification opportunities for cadets who proceed toward career service.
