NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas – The San Antonio Fire Department is currently preparing 67 new cadets for the field, and KSAT 12 News was there Friday for their swift water training in New Braunfels.
The job of a first responder isn’t easy and training to become one can be just as tough. Being a firefighter is more than just fighting fires.
"(There can be) multiple flood situations, multiple high water rescues going on throughout the city and we have two rescue teams. They quickly get overwhelmed, so there are situations all around the city where rank and file firefighters are going in the water to make rescues," SAFD Lt. Richard Barbosa said.
Swift water rescue training is crucial for future firefighters, with training scenarios meant to prepare the men and women for what they might encounter in the field.
"(We have) one that was a Navy rescue swimmer, Coast Guard, very strong swimmers and then we got some that are not so familiar with the water. So we got to get them comfortable in the water and respecting the force of the water," Barbosa said.
The 30 cadets practiced swimming over, under and avoiding obstacles while battling to fight a current trying to pull them underwater.
The 26-week training is not easy, but that’s why SAFD only takes the cream of the crop.
Over 3,000 people applied, but only five women and 62 men were accepted to be a part of the first two 2016 cadet classes.
"What we need people to know is, if you are applying and if you want to be a firefighter, get ready and prepare yourself because it’s going to be a challenge," Barbosa said.
Alpha Class graduates July 22. Bravo Class, which just started training on Monday, will graduate Nov. 11. A third class of 35-37 cadets is expected to begin training mid-August.