APG firefighters farewell ChalleNGe cadets

By Yvonne Johnson, APG NewsDecember 16, 2013

APG firefighters farewell ChalleNGe cadets
APG South (Edgewood) firefighters pose with Freestate ChalleNGe Academy cadets John Mitchell, Anthony Sample, Edward Conteh and DeAntwan Stanley-Young after presenting their Job Shadow certificates. (From left) Inspector William Bond, Firefighter Nor... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - One week before their graduation, firefighters from the Directorate of Emergency Services APG South (Edgewood) fire department praised four Freestate ChalleNGe Academy cadets who job shadowed with the department during their stay at APG.

The cadets learned basic firefighting and prevention techniques according to Fire Inspectors Bill Bond of Edgewood and T.C. Glassman of Aberdeen who led the training. The cadets included Edward Conteh, 19, Anthony Sample, 18, John Mitchell, 17 and DeAntwan Stanley-Young, 16.

Bond said training included dressing in turn-out gear and breathing apparatus; hooking hoses to trucks; advancing hoses through buildings and moving under simulated blackout conditions.

"This is the first group to come through here and they really loved it," said Capt. J.W. Ray Jr. "It was a great thing to mentor these kids. They asked a lot of good questions."

Bonds and fellow firefighters presented the four youth with Certificates of Appreciation.

The cadets said they appreciated the experience.

"I'd rate it a ten overall," said Sample. "It was a great experience and I really enjoyed myself."

"It really opened my eyes," added Mitchell. "Before, I didn't see firefighting as something difficult to do."

"I enjoyed it and I hope to do it again," said Stanley-Young.

With previous experience around a neighborhood firehouse under his belt, Conteh said he now plans to enter the volunteer firefighting service.

"I had put on the equipment before but I never did any training. It was exciting. I had never experienced what they actually do," he said.

The Freestate ChalleNGe Academy commencement, similar to a high school graduation, takes place 9 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 14 at the APG North (Aberdeen) post theater.