OKEECHOBEE — Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office cadets train for Physical Abilities Test (PAT) during spring break.

The OCSO began the cadet program this school year. It is similar to Explorer programs and is open to youths between the ages of 14 and 17. The program is led by Deputy Matthew Huffman and teaches a variety of skills.

“It aims to create leadership qualities in our youth even if they don’t want to go into law enforcement or public safety,”  said Huffman. The program teaches them responsibility, structure and life skills such as CPR training. “It gives them the opportunity to learn what law enforcement and public safety as a whole does.”

Huffman said their program includes the corrections side, fire rescue and even dispatch. They will learn how to deescalate a situation, handcuffing procedures, searching procedures for the jail, CPR and first aid.

Since the program began earlier this year, the cadets have been seen in all areas of the county helping with things such as traffic control, clean up after events, placing wreaths on the graves of veterans and many other activities and events.

The  group will be doing competitions throughout the state and bi-annually, they will have the opportunity to do national competitions with the public safety cadets. He would like to see them do competitions more often though, and they can do this through the FSEA. These competitions range from physical agility to firearms to scenario-based situations such as traffic stops and de-escalation tactics.

To get an application, email cadets@okeesheriff.com. Huffman can be reached at 863-633-8280. Teens must have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA and be of good moral character. They can be from public, private or homeschools. Parents will have complete access to all features of the program so they can be fully involved.