LOS ANGELES — On Saturday, May 9, 2026, Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez and the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate a newly built and furnished cadet classroom at Fire Station 11 in Westlake. Councilmember Hernandez and LAFD leadership announced that the classroom will allow the station to officially launch a Cadet Program at Fire Station 11 that will be open to youth throughout the community. The new classroom was funded by a $71,000 investment from Councilmember Hernandez and will serve as a hub for firefighter and cadet education, youth outreach, and exercise space. It will allow up to 25 students at a time to receive hands-on instruction and explore careers in the fire service.
LAFD’s Cadet Program provides a progressive pathway to becoming a Los Angeles City Firefighter. LAFD cadets participate in a yearlong program where they work side-by-side with LAFD members to learn the duties and responsibilities of a firefighter. Fire Station 11 has long sought to launch a formal cadet program, but until now lacked the formal space to teach classes onsite.
“This is an investment in Fire Station 11, in our young people, and in the future of our city,” said Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez. “These programs can be transformative in opening doors for youth. By expanding the LAFD Cadet Program here in Westlake, we are creating real opportunities for young people to explore careers in public service while strengthening community safety and resilience. I’m proud to partner with our firefighters and community organizations to bring these opportunities directly to Westlake youth.”
“The opening of this classroom at Fire Station 11 is about much more than creating a new space,” said LAFD Fire Chief Jaime Moore. “It is about investing in the young people of this community and strengthening the relationship between the Los Angeles Fire Department and the neighborhoods we serve. Youth programs like this create opportunity, mentorship, and a pathway for the next generation of leaders and public servants. When we invest in our youth, we invest in the future of Los Angeles.”
“This investment in the LAFD Youth and Cadet Program is an investment in the future of our fire service and the communities we serve,” said Doug Coates, President of United Firefighters of Los Angeles City. “By creating opportunities for young people to train, learn, and step into careers in the fire service, we are building a stronger, more prepared department. Our firefighters are proud to support programs like this that not only develop the next generation, but also help ensure we can continue to meet the growing needs of neighborhoods like Westlake.”
“Investing in this new classroom is investing in our youth and in Los Angeles’ future firefighters,” said Miguel Guerrero, President of Los Bomberos De Los Angeles. “We are proud to help create opportunities for young people—especially in neighborhoods like Westlake—to discover careers in the fire service. At Los Bomberos de Los Angeles, we are honored to stand alongside Councilmember Hernandez and our partners to mentor, uplift, and inspire the next generation of firefighters and community leaders.”
“The Stentorians are proud to join Councilmember Hernandez for today’s ribbon cutting to celebrate this investment in access, equity, and building a fire department that reflects the communities we serve,” said Robert Hawkins, President of The Los Angeles City Stentorians. “We are committed to ensuring every young person sees a place for themselves in the fire service, and we look forward to continuing to work with our partners to expand opportunity, strengthen community trust, and help prepare the next generation of leaders.”
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