16 Mayor’s Youth Program seniors have completed the 2007 Fire Cadet Training Program. Of the 16 seniors graduating, 9 seniors have already passed the CPAT exam and are preparing to begin careers within the department. Two students in particular, Maurice Jordan and Sedarius Beck, plan to continue positions with the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department as they pursue Bachelors degrees at Georgia State University.

Maurice Jordan is a 2007 graduate of Southside High School. Maurice will be pursuing Lineman Training and working at Georgia Power this summer. In the fall, he will begin his studies at Georgia State to double-major in Business and Communications. "One of the best things about this program was that I got a real perspective on becoming a firefighter. I have learned great leadership skills."

Sedarius Beck is a 2007 graduate of Washington High School. Sedarius plans to attain his barber license through Atlanta Technical College while working at Atlanta Fire Rescue this summer. In the fall, he will begin his studies at Georgia State University to major in Accounting. "The Fire Cadet Program has opened up a window for me. It’s shown me that I can set goals and accomplish them."

The Fire Cadet Training Program provides participants with invaluable mentoring, training, and instruction in marketable fire and rescue skills. The program is one of several training opportunities offered to Atlanta Public School (APS) high school seniors through The Mayor’s Youth Program which provides students with hands-on assistance in planning for their dreams after high school.

(From L-R) Maurice Jordan, Interim Fire Chief Harold D. Miller,
AWDA Executive Director Deborah Lum, Sedarius Beck.