On an overcast Sunday, May 5th, 2013, family and friends of cadets from all over Los Angeles County gathered at Frank Hotchkins Memorial Training Center for the Annual Cadet Muster. The Cadet Muster consists of four events, based on traditional firefighting skills. The events tested the cadet’s individual and collective abilities. A muster team consists of five cadets each with assigned roles, similar to a firefighting resource.
The day began with a motivational greeting to everyone in attendance from Chief Cummings. As the cadets stood at attention, the National Anthem rang out across the Drill Yard. After that, it was time for the presentation of the Shaping The Future Award. This award recognizes outstanding mentors in the cadet program. This year the recipient was Apparatus Operator Ralph Rodriguez. A/O Rodriguez has given more than 30 years of service to the City of Los Angeles, and was the advisor of Cadet Post 2 for many of those years. Currently his program has produced of 23 Los Angeles City firefighters. Although Ralph was not able to accept his award in person, his daughter was very thankful on his behalf and accepted the award from Chief Rueda.
The first event of the day was the “Make and Break.” Simultaneously, four teams would compete to connect and disconnect 2 1/2 inch hose. On one end was the hydrant, and the other a smooth bore nozzle. Each team member would either connect or disconnect. As the cadets sprinted from hydrant to coupling, the crowd cheered enthusiastically. The judges timed their efforts, and after every team had competed, LA City Cadet Post 2-A had the fastest time.
The second event was the “Axe Station.” In this event each team is assigned a 9” x 7” wooden railroad tie. The objective is to cut the tie in half, using only manual axe work. Each team member was required to start with only 10 swings, and would then pass the axe to a waiting teammate. After all five team members cycled through once, the swings were no longer limited. After all teams had competed, the top five moved on to the final axe-off. These teams were now given a 6” x 36” laminated beam. After a fierce and close competition, Team 12-A broke through first.
Although the cadets had pushed their physical limits, there was no break before the third event, “The Hose Drag” This event requires the cadets to drag two sections of 2 ½ inch hose while suited up with coat and SCBA. Each team of five cadets was assigned only two SCBA’s. This required the cadets to not only drag the hoseline, but to efficiently transfer the SCBA from the active team member, to the teammate next in line. In relay fashion, the hose is pulled past a set of cones five separate times. The team with the best time was LA City Cadet Post 12-C.
During the lunch break, food prepared on the MOAB was served, and the audience was entertained by Task Force 12. As cadets and their family and friends looked on, smoke began to rise from the top floor of the Drill Tower. With sirens and air horn blaring, Task Force 12 arrived onscene. As ladders were being thrown, and lines being pulled the audience watched in awe. Rescue 47 stood ready to transport as firefighters pulled a victim from the fire.
Saving the best for last, the final event was the “Wet-line, Dry-line.” This event simulates the advancement of a progressive hoselay while fighting a brush fire. Each cadet team was assigned two sections of 1” hose and a nozzle. The goal is to knock down a series of three cones. The first section of hose would be utilized to knock down the first cone, but cones two and three could only be knocked down after a second section of hose was attached. In order to attach the second section, the “bend back” method had to be employed. With a proper bend back, water flow would stop entirely allowing a second section to be attached. This event was a sudden death elimination process. The winning team had to compete and win six consecutive rounds. At the bitter end, the final two teams were 12-A and 47-D. As cadets from both teams simultaneously knocked down the first cone, the crowd was on its feet in suspense. As the second section of hose was connected, it was neck and neck. The crowd cheered as team 12-A’s final cone fell only a second before 47-D’s.
The Muster culminated with the awards ceremony. During the ceremony, Team 12-A relieved five brand new axe’s from Fire Axe, Inc. for their victory in the “Axe Station.” Trophies were also handed out to the top teams in each event. All in attendance had a wonderful time and agreed that they couldn’t wait for next year.
Special thanks to Sir Michaels Party Rentals of Eagle Rock, The United Firefighters of Los Angeles City Local 112, The Los Angeles Fire Foundation, as well as Fire Axe, Incorporated.
By Daniel Skinner
